Nagar Celebrations

 

When Nagars celebrate, it's not only a traditional celebration or festivity, but a night of social and cultural entertainment.

Since the Nagar calendar is Lunar based, celebrations and festivals occur when the moon is in a certain phase or position (many times Full or New). Therefore it is difficult to give the exact day or days of the festivals on the Roman Calendar.

In February (Megha), Nagars celebrate Mahashivratri. On this day, the devoted fast for the entire day and offer a Bilva leaves to the Linga (Shivlinga -- seen on the right) in Honor of Lord Shiva.

In April(Chaitra), a day is devoted to the worship of Lord Hatkesh and is called Hatkesh Jayanti. The festivities of the day include an evening procession of the deity followed by a feast or Patotsav (also called Bhandaro).

 

   
 

 

During the month of October (Ashniva), a nine-night celebration known as Navratri is held. This nine-night event is done in honor of the Goddess Shakti. In the past, Navratri was form of worship which consisted of Puja every night. Today, few families pray and worship on all nine nights. In recent years, Navratri has been celebrated with a Garba. Traditional Garba is a dance native to the Nagar Community in which the towns younger females come together in a circle and dance to the devotional songs of the Goddess. The variation in thematic content and style is a modern innovation. Today, Garba is a source of both entertainment and celebration.

 

 

 

 

Have anything to add to this page? Email Vivek Mehta(Vivek0831@hotmail.com).




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