Situated at the foot of Mount Girnar in Junagadh, the Shiv Temple celebrates the vitality of the Shiva cult. During Shivaratri, marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva according to the Hindu myth, a five day Bhavnath Festival, Mahashivratri is held with great enthusiasm.
On this day prayers are offered to the Lord Shiv, after the devotees take a dip in the holy mrig Kunda. Over thousand of pilgrims come to this holy shrine on the Bhavnath Festival, Mahashivratri just to take an active part in this holy act.
Prior to the start of Mahapuja, a huge procession gets started. This procession is headed by the 'Naga Bavas' who ride on elephant back with a flag in their hands. Subsequently, a series of cultural events follow. In the Bhavnath Festival, Mahashivratri one can witness many troupes of performers taking active part in various forms of classical Indian dance, classical Indian music, folk songs, plays based on folk lays, etc.
In fact, these folk songs and folk dance forms a part of the tourist attractions. Bhavai, a typical Gujarati folk dance, folk songs and folk dances attracts a large audience to gather in this place during the Bhavnath Festival of Gujarat. In fact, Mahashivratri fair is also held at Somnath.
Therefore, we can see that the Bhavnath Festival, Mahashivratri is an important festival in the list of Gujarati festivals. Gujaratis from all over the world join their hands to celebrate this event.
Last Updated on : 30 September 2011
