Hundreds take part in ‘Ram Baraat’ in Agra

Agra, Sept 17 (ANI): Hundreds of people here took part in ‘Ram Baraat’, which is a part of the Ramlila celebrations.

Jeetander Chauhan, a worker, who erected the decorations for the celebrations, said that people were happy that god was among them.

“We are feeling that Lord Ram has appeared among us. Hundreds of people have come to witness this famous god’s marriage,” said Chauhan.

Maya Sharma, a devotee, said that women were also excited about this deity marriage.

“I’m really feeling good that ‘Baraat’ procession of Lord Rama and Sita is taking place. We are feeling good that god himself is present here,” said Sharma.

Every year, a new locality is chosen in Agra and festivities last for three days and the area is elaborately decorated with lights and flowers. The area is given a major face-lift befitting the venue for the divine marriage.

The marriage procession sees marriage between saint Shaligram who represents Lord Ram and holy Basil plant, which represents Sita, his wife.

The place is lit up with thousands of lights and non-stop music. The cinema theatres run film shows throughout the night to accommodate the migratory crowd.

These three days are like a carnival when people from all walks of life come together to have a great time.

The history of Ram Baraat is said to be around 125 years old, when Lala Kokamal, a cloth merchant, started the tradition of three-day festivities, revolving around the royal wedding. (ANI)

Jharkhand tribals celebrate ‘Koka Festival’

Ranchi, Apr 29 (ANI): The aboriginals living in the hilly tracts in Tamar village of Jharkhand celebrated the ‘Koka Festival’ devoted to Lord Shiva.

The highlight of the festival is the marriage procession of Lord Shiva.

Thousands of villagers from nearby villages gathered in the compound of ancient Mahadeo Temple to witness the annual colourful procession.

“In the marriage procession of Lord Shiva, the guests were dressed up as Koka (disguised ghosts). When the procession reached the house of the bride, then the mother-in-law and others asked the guests to change their disguised look,” said Ratan Lal Rai, a priest.

The festivities continue throughout the night with dance-drama performances and prayer sessions followed by a fair.

Devotees also observe fasting for the fulfillment of their wishes.

“Devotees observe fasting for the sake of their wishes. Some observe five-day fasting while some observe seven-days fasting,” said Sandip Kumar Mandak, a devotee.

Koka festival is also known as ‘Chaitra Parv’ because of its celebration in Chaitra month as per Hindu calendar. By Girija Shankar Ojha (ANI)