A grand procession was organised in Varanasi on the occasion of Govardhan Puja, drawing large numbers of devotees. The procession was inaugurated by Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Yogendra Yadav. Traditional lathi performances, tableaux depicting Lord Krishna and other Hindu deities, and showers of flowers were among the main attractions. The five-hour procession concluded at Namo Ghat.
The procession began at around 12 noon on Tuesday from Hathua Market in Chetganj, following the Diwali celebrations. Devotees participated in large numbers, chanting slogans in praise of Lord Krishna as the procession moved through several prominent areas of the city. Young participants demonstrated traditional lathi skills, while religious tableaux attracted the attention of spectators along the route.
The Govardhan Puja procession was inaugurated by Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Yogendra Yadav. It commenced at around noon from Hathua Market in the Chetganj area.
As conch shells were blown and chants of Lord Krishna echoed through the streets, devotees began moving along the procession route. A group of participants dressed in traditional attire as cowherd boys led the procession, followed by religious tableaux and groups of local residents.
Large crowds gathered on both sides of the roads to watch the event. Families arrived with children, while several residents watched the procession from the rooftops of nearby buildings.
Traditional lathi performances by young participants emerged as one of the main attractions of the procession. Demonstrating the traditional Banarasi art of Pata-Banethi, the performers showcased various skills using long wooden sticks.
The young participants displayed different techniques by spinning and manoeuvring the sticks. Spectators stopped at several points along the route to watch the performances, with many recording videos on their mobile phones.
The performances offered a glimpse of Kashi's traditional cultural practices. Such traditional games and art forms have long been part of the attractions at local religious celebrations.
Tableaux depicting different episodes from the life of Lord Krishna featured prominently in the procession. Representations of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as well as episodes from the life of Lord Ram, were also included.
Artists from different areas participated in religious costumes, with some tableaux featuring live performances. Devotees gathered along the route to watch the presentations.
A tableau representing Kedarnath Dham was another attraction. It showcased a depiction of the famous Himalayan shrine, prompting devotees to offer their prayers.
Religious songs and chants continued throughout the procession, maintaining a festive atmosphere along the route.
Starting from Chetganj, the procession passed through Lahurabir, Kabirchaura, Maidagin, Machhodari and Prahlad Ghat.
Arrangements were made to welcome the procession in these areas. Residents standing along the roads chanted slogans in praise of Lord Krishna, while flowers were showered on participants from the rooftops of several buildings.
Business and social organisations also welcomed the devotees. Platforms were set up at different locations, from where flowers were showered on the procession.
Arrangements for drinking water and refreshments were also made for devotees. Large numbers of participants continued walking alongside the procession.
The procession, which began at noon, travelled through the streets of Kashi for approximately five hours before reaching Govardhan Dham at Namo Ghat, situated along the Ganga, at around 5 pm.
People waiting at the venue welcomed the procession with applause. Amid chants in praise of Lord Krishna, the Govardhan Puja procession came to an end.
Children, young people and elderly residents participated in the event. Traditional lathi performances and religious tableaux remained among the key attractions.
Govardhan Puja is traditionally associated with Lord Krishna. According to religious belief, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Braj from heavy rainfall. Govardhan Puja is observed in remembrance of this event.
On this occasion, Annakut celebrations are organised at several places, where different food preparations are offered to Lord Krishna. Worshipping cows and Govardhan Hill is also part of the tradition.
The procession in Varanasi brought together religious devotion and local folk culture. Traditional performances, religious tableaux and community participation were among the distinctive features of the event.
Updates on religious events and local programmes in Kashi can be found on the official website of the Varanasi district administration, varanasi.nic.in.
