When Gods, Goddesses participate in Bhangaram Yatra at Keshkal!
| Date :02-Sep-2019 |
Our Correspondent :
VISHRAMPURI IIT IS unbelievable if one says that Gods and Goddesses had appeared before court and those found guilty were punished. But, this ‘actually happened’ as part of an age-old tradition popular among tribal folks of Bastar region. As per the tradition, which has been continuing since time immemorial, the Gods and Goddesses participated in the Bhangaram Yatra being organised at Keshkal, under Kondagaon district. The Gods and Goddesses having the documents of their workings reached Kunwar Path temple based at Mungbadi.
They were accorded warm welcome at Keshkal police station amidst drumbeat and garlanding. From here the Gods and Goddesses started to the Bhangaram temple. After their puja-archana, a court of Gods and Goddesses were held. Accusations against the Gods and Goddesses were heard seriously and the Gods and Goddesses found guilty were punished. Those who were present in the fair included priest, gayata, sirha, village head, Manjhi chief and Patel. First day the puja-archana of goddess was held offering her flowers, paan, coconut and incense.
The gods and goddesses who came from different parts of the district stayed there in the night. Besides all this, sacrifices were offered to gods and goddesses to please them. There is no provision of puja of any unrecognized god. On the demand of villagers, the new god has to pass through strict examination to get the recognition. There is a place near Bhangaram temple where an imprisonment was created. The fair is organised once in every year and women entry is prohibited. The gods and goddesses are punished on the lines of humans who are found guilty of any offense or misconduct. Villagers informed that they come here taking the idols of their gods and goddesses and after being satisfied with the examination of their gods and goddesses they return home. Meanwhile, villagers said that the Dr Khan was worshipped and offered indigenous eggs.
There is a belief that few years back an epidemic spread and Dr Khan, resident of Nagpur, came here with the blessings of the goddess to treat the afflicted. After his death, he got a place near the goddess and now he is also worshipped in the name of Pathan deity. The festival has great religious importance. Besides tribals, people from other community in large number also participate in this festival. The goddess who plays the role of magistrate is considered to be Bhangaram goddess. The grievances are resolved immediately in the court of Bhangaram goddess.
The gods and goddesses against whom there are no accusations, they are sent back to their homes and those found guilty are imprisoned. The complaints of gods and goddesses are resolved immediately. This festival is held every year in the month of Bhadrapad on Saturday and this is known as Bhangaram Yatra. A large number of people from different parts of the district come here taking their idols and stay in the night and enjoy the feast. On this occasion of gods and goddesses court, those who were present prominently included Commissioner Bastar Amrit Khalko, Collector Neelkanth Tekam, SP Sujeet Kumar, Zila Panchayat CEO, public representatives and officials.