It was the same on Wednesday April 13 this year.
The festival which is dedicated to the Hindu deities of Shiva and Sakti involves the observance of strict penance by performers of the Charak Puja and includes tolerating extreme physical pain and stress.
Nepal Hrishi Das, the main priest said, "This puja is being performed for the welfare of the people of Earth and the nation. For one month, we collect subscriptions from various people for the Charak puja. In this festival, people are hanged with hooks, get involved machete games and sleep on beds of nails. Some choose to get buried under mud or even walk over a bed of hot coals."
The festival, according to mythology, has been observed since the days of Lord Rama (Treta Yuga) nearly 8000 years ago.
The festival has attracted large number of people from different corners of the world.
Joga Singh, a visitor from Punjab, said, "For last three years, I have been participating in this fair, and in Punjab, we have Baisaki. On this date, Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa baptized the first Sikhs. I am enjoying this fair and am feeling very happy. Everyone enjoys this fair as we all get together."
Another visitor, Mrinal Ghosh,said the name Charak originated from the 'Charak Samhita' (Compendium of Charaka), a Sanskrit text on Ayurveda, but added that in today modern times, people are gradually forgetting their traditional festivals and rituals which are in dire need of conservation.
Ghosh added that this festival, if properly explored and promoted, has huge scope for attracting tourists from outside.
Charak comes from 'chakra' or the wheel - the circle of the movement of the Sun.
It is symbolized by the setting up of a high pole from which hangs a devotee. With the help of a strong rope he swings himself round the pole.
It is a difficult and dangerous feat. Charak Puja is performed by usually ten to twelve members, including both men and women.
The bearers of the ritual are called 'Charkia' and the main performer 'Deoboinshi'.
Charak Puja starts with the fasting period.
The devotees keep fasts for one complete month before performing the rituals. During this period the devotees live strictly on fruits and do their daily worship.
After a month of fasting and on the day of Charak, a Charak tree is erected. The average height of these is about 15 feet and devotees hangs suspended from hooks, as a symbolic sacrifice to the Hindu deity Shiva.
Many others pierce their tongue, body with iron rods or walk on sharp machetes, nails and other pointed objects beside walking over burning charcoal.
The excitement reaches the climax when the performers complete the feat remaining unscathed.
These men and women believe Charak Puja is one way of attaining salvation.
Charak also called Gajan, is held on Chaitra Sangkranti (the last day of Chaitra).
The main object of this festival is to celebrate the marriage of the sun and the earth. The reason for this festival is perhaps to appease the sun and pray for rain during the hot, dry month of Chaitra.
The Chark Puja has been restricted to remote areas after government put restrictions on certain practices.
The festivities in rural areas are marked by local fairs.
-Source ANI