July 17, 2024 12:00 am
Karkat Sankranti, a significant Hindu festival marking the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Cancer (Karkat Rashi), is celebrated with great fervor at the Shri Jagannath Mandir in Thyagraj Nagar, Delhi. This celestial event, which usually falls in mid-July, holds immense religious and cultural importance, symbolizing the end of the summer solstice and the beginning of the monsoon season. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is a time for devotees to express their gratitude and seek blessings.
The celebrations at the Shri Jagannath Mandir are elaborate and meticulously planned. The temple premises are adorned with vibrant decorations, including flowers, lights, and intricate rangoli designs that add to the festive atmosphere. Devotees from all over Delhi and neighboring regions gather in large numbers to participate in the rituals and festivities.
The day begins with the Mangala Aarti, an early morning prayer that is performed to awaken and welcome the deities. This is followed by the Abhishekam, a sacred bathing ritual where the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are bathed with holy water, milk, honey, and other auspicious substances. The deities are then dressed in new clothes and adorned with beautiful jewelry and garlands, enhancing their divine appearance.
One of the highlights of the Karkat Sankranti celebrations is the Maha Bhog, a grand offering of food to the deities. A variety of traditional dishes, including sweets, fruits, and savory items, are prepared with great devotion and offered to the Lord. This prasad is later distributed among the devotees, symbolizing the sharing of divine blessings.
Throughout the day, various cultural programs and devotional activities take place within the temple complex. Bhajan and kirtan sessions, where devotees sing hymns and songs in praise of Lord Jagannath, create an atmosphere of spiritual upliftment. Additionally, discourses by learned scholars on the significance of Karkat Sankranti and the teachings of Lord Jagannath provide deeper insights into the festival’s meaning.
The evening aarti, a ceremonial prayer with lamps and chants, marks the culmination of the day’s festivities. The sight of the temple illuminated with countless oil lamps and the sound of bells and conch shells create a mesmerizing and divine ambiance.
Karkat Sankranti at Shri Jagannath Mandir in Thyagraj Nagar is not just a religious event but a cultural celebration that brings the community together. It is a time for renewal, devotion, and communal harmony, reflecting the timeless traditions and rich heritage of Indian culture.
