On the 27th day
of the month the majority of the Bhaktas become initiated; and on the 28th (or the 29th,if
the month has 31 days) on what is known as the phalbhanga day, they eat nothing but fruit,
and by immemorial custom liberty to take fruit from any tree or garden they like. The next
day, known as the dadurghata day, is the most important day of the festival, for it is the
parab or Gajans day.
On this day a mela or a fair is held within a spacious compound adjoining the temple,
which is attended by thousands of people of all classes, male and female, young and old,
from every part of the neighboring country, all in their best attire. The crowd becomes
larger as the day advances, and is at its largest in the afternoon. The whole place is a lively market where articles of the most
miscellaneous description, including toys and clay figures for children, are exposed for
sale. Just before evening the pat is taken to the river ghat, is there worshipped by the
devotees, and is then carried back to the temple, with the pat bhakta lying upon it, on
his back, followed by the crowd of devotees. |
