Devotion transcended politics in Hajipur when Union Minister Nityanand Rai channeled his inner villager, driving a bullock cart in the exuberant Maha Shivratri Shiva Baraat. Clad in traditional dhoti-kurta, the leader shed his ministerial mantle for this sacred duty he’s performed for over three decades.
The festivities ignited at Pataleshwar Nath Temple, an ancient site pulsing with anticipation. After morning rituals, Rai hitched the bulls and led the charge, a ritual symbolizing humility before the divine.
Streets came alive with a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds—devotees dancing amid abir clouds, bands thumping beats, and elaborate floats featuring royal elephants and spectral figures. Chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ reverberated, drawing families from every corner of Vaishali.
Rai paused to bless attendees, calling the tradition a ‘beacon of fortune.’ ‘I’ve served in distant places, but Shivratri calls me home,’ he shared. His pledge to continue resonated deeply, inspiring the masses.
The procession’s finale at Akshay Vat Rai Stadium honored top attractions, capping a day of unbridled spirituality. Joined by BJP allies and fervent Shiva followers, Rai’s prayers for peace echoed the event’s profound message of unity and grace.