Parshuram Kund, Lohit – Festivals

Parshuram Kund, Lohit – Festivals

The Parashuram Kund is famous for the annual fair that is held during Makara Sankranti, which normally falls in mid-January every year. There is an endless stream of pilgrims, nearly about 70,000 devotees and sadhus that take a holy dip in the water in the chilling cold. It is believed that if a person once takes a dip in the Kund, his sins would be wiped out forever just like Parasuram’s was after he committed matricide. The fair held during this time brings forth a sense of community among the different tribes and the people across the nation and beyond visiting the Makara Sankranti fair.

Shopkeepers from the different states showcase their wares like wild cows, rare fur-rugs and other curios are brought and shown at this festival. The festivals held here show the artistic skills of the various tribes. At midnight, the auspicious ceremony of Makara Sankranti begins, and devotees start bathing in the Kund. The Bazaar Welfare Committee (BWC) has been providing necessary facilities to the traders with the support from the district administration to make the fair a successful event. 

Though there is scarcity of accommodation pilgrims bear the hardships bravely and spend the night around the temple, wherever they can find space to rest their tired bodies and spend the night. Sadhus of different sects from as far off as the hills of Uttar Pradesh remain at the Kund for two nights after their holy bath singing devotional songs. The District Administration with the collaboration of the Department of Tourism has been making elaborate arrangements for security along with provision of shelters. Other public facilities like drinking water, toilets, ration shops and medical centers are also arranged for safe and comfortable stay of pilgrims.