INVC NEWS
Deoghar : Basant Panchami, the festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Saraswati, holds immense significance across the country. This year, Basant Panchami falls on February 14th, marking a day filled with reverence and festivities. In the holy town of Deoghar, the Saraswati Temple witnesses elaborate rituals performed by the temple authorities and priestly families to honor Goddess Saraswati.
The Tradition of Tilak Utsav:
Basant Panchami holds special importance in Deoghar as it is the day of the Tilak Utsav, a pre-wedding ritual. Thousands of residents from the Mithila region flock to Deoghar on this day, carrying holy Ganga water to offer prayers to Lord Bholenath and apply tilak on his forehead. The town experiences a surge in footfall, unlike regular days, with devotees eager to partake in the festivities.
Preparations and Crowd Management:
To manage the anticipated crowd, barricading has already commenced around the temple premises. With an expected turnout of over a million devotees on Basant Panchami, meticulous arrangements are in place to ensure smooth proceedings. Additionally, the temple authorities have decided to suspend the VIP darshan service on the auspicious day, considering the overwhelming attendance.
Special Offerings and Rituals:
Devotees can participate in the sacred rituals by availing themselves of the special darshan coupon. However, the coupon price on Basant Panchami is doubled compared to regular days, amounting to INR 500 per person. Apart from tilak arpan, devotees engage in the traditional exchange of gulal and abeer, symbolizing the joyous spirit of the occasion.
From Temple to Homes:
The celebrations extend beyond the temple premises, with households indulging in customary puja rituals. Residents offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati and seek her blessings for knowledge and wisdom. In the evening, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple hosts a special tilak puja, where devotees offer various delicacies, gulal, and pure ghee to the deities.
A Season of Devotion:
The fervor of Basant Panchami continues till the full moon night of the Phalgun month, with daily offerings of abeer and gulal atop the Shivling. This period symbolizes devotion and spiritual fervor, fostering a sense of unity and reverence among devotees.
As Basant Panchami approaches, devotees eagerly anticipate the divine blessings and immersive experiences that await them at the revered Baidyanath Temple. Embracing tradition and spirituality, they embark on a journey of faith, seeking enlightenment and auspicious beginnings on this sacred day.
