Kumbh Mela begins in Ujjain

Ujjain (MP), Apr 22 (PTI) The month-long Simhastha (Kumbh) mela, largest congregation of Hindus began here early today with the arrival of Juna Akhara for the royal bath on the banks of Kshipra river for the holy dip.

Large number of people from different corners of the country have converged in the holy city for the Simhastha mela, which is being held here after a gap of every 12 years at Ujjain, which is also the abode of Lord Mahakaleshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlings in the country.

All the 13 Akharas of saints and seers will take dip one after another for which elaborate arrangements were made along the banks of Kshipra river.

Ujjain is fully geared up to host the month long Kumbh Mela, during which over five crore people including seers are expected to visit the holy city, with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan saying it will be a "Green Simhastha".

"Over five crore pilgrims are expected to visit Ujjain and other holy places during the fair, for which huge security and logistical arrangements have been made, including shifting of police forces from various districts to Ujjain, one of the 12 'jyotirlingas' and the abode of Lord Mahakaleshwar," Chouhan said last evening on the eve of the mela.

Congress General Secretary.

Digvijay Singh also took bath at Gaughat on the opening day of the Simhastha.

This time eunuchs have also set up their 'akhara' in the mela area and have successfully taken out their procession in the city which was accorded grand welcome by the people.

"Around five crore devotees are expected to take part in the Kumbh mela on the banks of pious Shipra river for which security has been ramped up in every nook and cranny of the district," said Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ujjain Range, Madhu Kumar.

At present, 22,000 security personnel, including the state policemen, personnel from central forces and other departments have been deployed, he said.

"At the time of Shahi Snan (royal dip) in Shipra river, 25,000 security personnel will keep a watch at the Mela venue," Kumar added.
-Source PTI

Traditional Charak puja celebrated with full devotion in Tripura

Chanmari (West Tripura), Apr.14 (ANI): Like every year, the Festival of Charak is celebrated in the rural areas of Tripura on the last day of the Bengali calendar year.

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