Butter ritual marks Makar Sankranti at Kangra's Brajeshwari Temple

The Brajeshwari Temple in Kangra began its two-day Makar Sankranti celebrations today with the sacred ritual of covering the deity in 21 quintals of butter, symbolising abundance and gratitude. Known as ‘Ghrit Mandal Parv,’ this ritual commemorates the legend of Goddess Durga soothing her wounds with butter after slaying Mahishasura. The butter covering remains on the deity for a week and is later distributed among devotees, who believe it holds healing properties.

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The celebrations began with devotional bhajans and a night-long ‘jagrata’ in the temple courtyard. Popular singers Lakhwinder Lakha and Sanjay Sawariya are the star attractions, drawing large crowds. Kangra SDM Ishant Jaswal assured devotees of comprehensive safety and convenience arrangements.

Tomorrow’s festivities will include morning rituals at the temple followed by a grand ‘Shobha Yatra’ through Kangra Bazaar, culminating at the main ground for an evening Bhajan Sandhya.

Makar Sankranti, marking the Sun’s transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn and the beginning of its northward journey (Uttarayana), is celebrated nationwide.

The Katoch rulers of Kangra have historically maintained a deep connection with the Brajeshwari Temple, a hub of spiritual energy for centuries.