The three day Baisakhi Festival – a symbol of Nag culture – was celebrated in mountainous Bhadarwah Valley with full religious fervour and gaiety.
The ancient festival, which marks the beginning of spring in this hilly region was celebrated for three days at different places symbolising the ancient Naga cult of Bhadarwah.
The first celebration was held on 13th of April at Subar Dhar, 30 kms from Bhadarwah town. On the occasion doors of 700-year-old Subar Nag Temple were thrown open. Hundreds of Nag devotees thronged the Subar Nag meadow to pay obeisance to the lord Subar Nag.On this occasion dozens of sheep were sacrificed as per ancient custom.
On the second day (14th April) doors of another ancient NagTemple located in the dense forest on a hilltop known as Nagni Mata were openedfor the devotees. Hundreds of pilgrims from across the state and elsewherereached Baghwati Nagni Devi Temple for her blessings where beside payingobeisance people participated in traditional “Dheku Dance”. And onMonday the final day of Baisakhi festival people from all walks of lifethronged ancient Gatha Temple which houses the main deity of Naga cult-theVasuki Nag.
And on Monday the final day of Baisakhi festival people from all walks of life thronged ancient Gatha Temple which houses the main deity of Naga cult-the Vasuki Nag.
People were seen in traditional and colourful dressesgreeting one another and seeking blessings of Vasuki Nag.
“This is a wonderful site and a true symbol of communalharmony,” said Sarpanch of Gatha, Shabir Khan.