Agni
Pariksha: A Sacred Journey of Devotion in Ranchi
While
Baisakhi, celebrated across Northern India on April 13 or 14, marks the joyous
arrival of spring and the harvest season—particularly in Punjab—other regions
bring their own rich traditions to this auspicious time. In Assam, it’s Rongali
or Bohag Bihu in April, and Kongali Bihu in October. But in Ranchi, Jharkhand,
this day transforms into something unique and spiritually intense—a celebration
known as Agni Pariksha, observed with unwavering devotion by the Baraik
community and tribal groups.
A Ritual
of Fire, Faith, and Community
The day
begins at dawn, as devotees gather at the Subarnarekha River. One of the key
rituals involves breaking a clay lid placed on a sand-made Shivlinga with bare
hands. Success symbolizes the fulfillment of one’s penance; failure means a
symbolic penalty imposed by the priest. This is just the beginning of a
day-long spiritual journey.
As evening
descends, the Phoolkhundi ritual begins. Devotees collect firewood from
across the Chutia area and bring it near the local Shiva temple. This is
followed by Lotan Seva, a symbolic act of unity where each participant
embraces others 21 times to express brotherhood.
The
intensity of devotion rises with the Lapra Bhanjne (Dhuwansi) ritual,
where devotees hang upside down on a pole over sacred flames—a literal test of
faith. Another sacred act, Nisha Pani, sees a chosen devotee, known as
the Pat Bhakta, walk barefoot to fetch water from Hatiya Pond without
looking back. Upon returning, the temple rituals continue with a goat
sacrifice, symbolizing deep reverence to Lord Shiva.
All through
the celebrations, barefooted men, women, and even children walk across
smoldering embers—some carrying their young on their backs—cheered on by the
community. It is a powerful testament to their faith and a heartfelt prayer for
rainfall and a bountiful harvest.
A
Weeklong Spiritual Fest
Known as Manda
Puja, this weeklong festival in Jharkhand draws thousands of devotees to
the streets. In Chutia, Ranchi, the Manda Puja Samiti leads the
celebrations near the Shiva temple. The highlight is the participation of the Bhoktas—spiritual
devotees who undergo a rigorous weeklong fast and carry out the most intense
rituals. Bhoktas are revered figures, seen as intermediaries between the divine
and the community.
One of the
most symbolic moments is when Bhoktas shower flower petals from a height of 25
feet onto the gathered crowd, a blessing from above—both literally and
spiritually.
Following
Chutia, this festival is celebrated in over 500 locations across Jharkhand
including Rajalatu, Sindroll, Tetri, and Hundru Basti.
Rituals
in Motion: The Procession
This year’s
festival opened with a vibrant procession from the historic Shri Ram Temple to
the Mahadev Manda. A sacred structure called the Radha Chakra, shaped
like a bullock cart, was carried through the streets with a devotee lying
bare-bodied between iron spikes—a symbolic act of surrender and trust in divine
protection.
📸 In Pictures:
1.
A
devotee runs across fire embers in Chutia, Ranchi.
2.
Devotees
rejoice under a shower of sacred flower petals.
3.
Women
lead a vibrant, colorful procession through Chutia.
✍️ Text by: Ashok Karan
📷 Photos by: Sanjay Suman, Photojournalist
📝 ashokkaran.blogspot.com
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