Baijnath Temple, Kangra – Festivals

Baijnath Temple, Kangra – Festivals

The temple attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims from all over India and abroad throughout the year. Special prayers are offered in the morning and evening every day besides on special occasions and during festive seasons.

Dussehra:

In the town of Baijnath, Dussehra festival in which traditionally the effigy of the Ravana is consigned to flames is not celebrated as a mark of respect to the devotion of Ravana towards Lord Shiva.

Makar Sankranti:

In this festival, a gritmandal (column of butter) is placed on the Shiva Linga for 8 days. The butter for the gritmandal is prepared by washing desi ghee with water. On removal of gritmandal, the butter which is believed to have medicinal importance is distributed among the devotees.

Shivarathri:

A five days state level festival is celebrated on the occasion of Shivarathri with traditional gaiety and fervor. The towns of Baijnath and Paprola are illuminated and the Shiva Temple is decorated with flowers and colourful lights. Cultural Functions are held in the Indira Gandhi Stadium for five days and a mela goes for several days near Shiva Temple. Havan is performed in the temple for the welfare of universe.

Khor Maar:

On the occasion of Panch Bhikham Chaturathi (October-November) walnuts are showered on the temple by the devotees.

Sawan Melas:

Thousands of devotees throng the temple especially on Mondays during the Sawan Month (July-August) to pay obeisance to Shiva by offering jal on the Shiva Linga.