Ranchi: On the occasion of Mahashivratri, chief minister Hemant Soren on Sunday performed traditional rituals at the historic Pahari Mandir, praying for Jharkhand’s progress, peace and prosperity.Amid resonating chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev”, the CM also offered water and Bilva leaves (Bel leaves) to Lord Shiva and greeted the people of the state. Ranchi MLA C P Singh was also present during the rituals. Hemant said, “I extend my heartfelt greetings to all on the sacred occasion of Mahashivratri. May Lord Bholenath bless every citizen with happiness, harmony and prosperity.”
Meanwhile, devotees poured water and milk on Shivlings from Pahari Mandir to neighbourhood shrines, offered Bel leaves and flowers, and recited prayers throughout the day.Long queues were seen outside major temples as families, youths and elderly devotees waited patiently for their turn to perform the ‘abhishek’. Across Ranchi, temples were decorated with flowers and illuminated with lights.At the Shiv temple atop Marsili Pahad in Namkum, devotees stood in long queues from early morning, waiting patiently to offer jal (water) and perform puja.In a similar scene, devotees also thronged the Shiv Shakti Dham in Chiraoundi with heavy footfall marking the day. Several smaller neighbourhood temples across Ranchi also saw continuous puja and ‘archana’.“We were coming to Marsili Pahad every Mahashivratri for years. Despite the crowd, the devotion and energy here feel divine,” said Ramesh Kumar, a devotee.A key highlight of the celebrations was the grand Shiv Barat procession organised by the Shri Shiv Baraat Aayojan Mahasamiti. After lighting the ceremonial lamp by the CM and other dignitaries, the eco-friendly procession began from the Pahari Mandir. Five decorated chariots, nearly 20 flower-adorned vehicles, and elaborate live tableaux depicting Lord Shiva in his wedding form formed part of the spectacle. Cultural performances included Shiv Tandav, Kali Tandav by 21 girls, Aghori dance, Chhau performances, bhajan sandhya and Jharkhand’s traditional tasha party.The procession also paid tribute to the late JMM patriarch Shibu Soren.Moving through Upper Bazaar, Shaheed Chowk, Firayalal Chowk, Gandhi Chowk and Ratu Road, the grand Shiv Barat transformed the city streets into a vibrant corridor of devotion before culminating in the symbolic wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at the Vishwanath Temple in Piska More, bringing the day-long Mahashivratri celebrations to a close.
