Ambaji: The holy town of Ambaji was immersed in deep devotion today as thousands of devotees from across Gujarat and other parts of the country gathered to celebrate Posh Purnima, the sacred manifestation (Pragatyotsav) day of Adyashakti Maa Amba.

From the sacred Gabbar Hill to the streets of the town, the atmosphere was charged with spirituality and festivity. The celebrations began early morning with rituals at Gabbar Hill, where the Akhand Jyot (eternal flame), along with sacred flames brought from 51 Shakti Peeths, was carried in a grand Jyot Yatra. After ceremonial flag hoisting atop Gabbar Hill, priests and devotees welcomed the sacred flame and brought it to the main Ambaji temple, where it was merged with the principal Jyot.

Simultaneously, a Mahashakti Yag was inaugurated at Chachar Chowk, followed by a grand Maha Aarti at Shakti Dwar. Thousands of devotees participated collectively, offering prayers and seeking blessings.

A major highlight of the Pragatyotsav was the Nagar Yatra. Maa Amba, symbolically mounted on a caparisoned elephant, proceeded on a ceremonial procession through the town to bless devotees. The procession featured over 40 colourful tableaux by religious and educational institutions, along with vibrant tribal dances, dhol beats, band performances, and shehnai music.

Posh Purnima is also known as Sukhdi Purnima. On the occasion, the Shri Ambaji Dharmik Utsav Seva Samiti distributed nearly 2,100 kg of sukhdi prasad among devotees.

Devotees showered flower petals along the procession routes, while residents of Ambaji welcomed pilgrims with refreshments and prasad. After the completion of the Nagar Yatra, a new ceremonial flag was hoisted on the golden spire of the temple, in keeping with tradition.

The Posh Purnima celebrations at Ambaji thus emerged as a remarkable confluence of faith, culture, and service, leaving an enduring spiritual imprint on all who attended. DeshGujarat