Junagadh: The Bhavnath Fair, often referred to as the Mini-Kumbh, began today at the Bhavnath Mahadev temple, located at the foothills of Girnar (Girnar Taleti), approximately 8 km from Junagadh. During this five-day-long fair, the midnight of Mahashivratri day (March 8 this year) is celebrated with a grand display of devotional and festive energy by Naga sages. The fair commenced today with the commencement of the traditional religious flag hoisting (Dhawjarohan) ceremony, accompanied by Vedic chants.

This annual event begins on the Hindu calendar date of Magh Vad 11, aligning with March 5th (today) this year, and continues until Magh Vad Amavsya. This year, devotees have the opportunity to receive the Hari-har prasad at around 250 AnnaShetras, and a security contingent of over 2800 personnel is deployed to ensure the safety of the attendees.

Marked by the presence of lakhs of devotees and sages, the fair reaches its peak on Mahashivaratri, believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performed his tandava, the cosmic dance of destruction. A midnight Mahapuja takes place on Mahashivaratri, when Naga babas, or unclothed sages, are seated on elephants, adorned with ornaments, carrying flags, and producing resonating sounds with conch shells, tungis, and turis.

Devotees hold the conviction that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine during this auspicious occasion. Girnar is considered the dwelling place of the nine immortal nathas and eighty-four siddhas, who visit the temple in their invisible spirit forms on Mahashivaratri. Offerings are presented to the deities, and the festive spirit is manifested through dance, music, and traditional Bhavai theatre.

Prior to attending the fair, many pilgrims embark on a parikrama of the sacred hills of Girnar, covering a journey of about 7 km. Organizers extend free meals to visitors, and specialized stalls offer idols, rosaries from Ayodhya and Mathura, as well as delightful sweets. On the evening leading to the midnight Mahashivaratri ritual, Naga babas gather at the wrestling grounds or akhada adjacent to the temple for a ritual that blends dance and martial arts.

According to myths and legends from the Puranic era, the Shiva linga in the ancient temple is believed to have emerged by its own divine intention. It is believed that, during a journey over the Girnar Hills, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s divine garment fell over the present Mrigi Kund, rendering this location sacred for Shiva worshippers. Even today, Naga babas perform a ceremonial bath in the holy Mrigi Kund before joining the Mahashivaratri procession. The fair itself is of such ancient origin that its precise beginnings remain unknown.

Devotees from various parts of the country, especially from Gujarat and Marwad in neighboring Rajasthan, have been participating in the fair for numerous years. While many attendees dress in vibrant colors, the Ahirs and Mers of the Junagadh district particularly stand out. DeshGujarat