The spiritual pulse of Gorakhpur quickened dramatically as devotees poured into Gorakhnath Temple well before sunrise, heralding the much-awaited Khichdi festival. Long queues snaked through the streets, a visual testament to unwavering devotion to Guru Gorakhnath.
Held on the auspicious Makar Sankranti period, the festival revolves around offering steaming khichdi, embodying purity and sattvik living. This year, the fervor seems amplified, with social media buzzing with live updates and selfies from the queues.
Elderly sadhus guided the crowds, while children clutched small idols. The air was thick with incense and mantra recitations. Temple records indicate over 50,000 visitors by noon, surpassing last year’s figures.
Administrators coordinated seamlessly: barricades for orderly movement, medical aid stations, and even shuttle services from railway stations. ‘Baba calls his children; we just respond,’ remarked a lifelong devotee.
The festival’s core is the community feast, where caste barriers dissolve over shared meals. Artisans craft intricate rangolis, and folk artists perform Nath panthi songs. With the district magistrate personally overseeing arrangements, safety remains paramount.
This early deluge of faith not only energizes participants but also inspires outsiders. As the sun sets on this prelude, anticipation builds for the climax – the colossal khichdi preparation that feeds thousands, perpetuating a tradition centuries old.