BHAVNATH FAIR
SHIVARATRI

The   fair   during   Mahashivaratri   is   held  for five  days  commencing  from  the Hindu  calendar  date  of   Magh  Vad 11, during the Gregorian months of February &  March.

The   Bhavnath  Mahadev  temple   is   a  shrine  ensconced in   myths  and  legends  of  the Puranic era. The  Shivaling here  is  said  to  have emerged  of its own  divine intention. Reportedly, when  Shiva  and  Parvati were  traveling  over the Girnar  Hills  their divine garment fell over  the present  Mrigi  Kund,  making this place an auspicious site for Shiva worshippers.   Even  today,  the  naga  bavas  are  known  to bathe  in   the  holy  Mrigi   Kund   before  joining  t he  Mahashivaratri  procession. The  fair  itself  is   so  ancient  that  its  precise origins are unknown.

On  the  moonless  night  when  it  is  believed  Lord  Shiva  performed his tandava, the  cosmic  dance  of  destruction,  a  great   mahapuja  is   performed.  This  great ritual   begins   at   midnight   on ahashivaratri,  when   naga   bavas,   or  naked sages,   seated  on  elephants   and  decked   in   ornaments,   arrive   holding   flags and  blowing  conch  shells,  tungis  and  turis,   the  s ounds  of  which  reverberate through   the  entire space. Leading   a  large  procession  to  the tem ple,  they thus mark  the  commencement   of  an  emotive  religious  ceremony.

 
Disclaimer: You are requested to check the exact dates with us before finalizing your travel plans for this festival. Please note "these dates may vary according to Hindu Calendar"