Ranchi: The city witnessed a surge of devotion and festive fervour on Wednesday as the iconic Pahari Temple hosted a grand haldi-mehendi and sangeet ceremony as part of Lord Shiva’s divine wedding celebrations ahead of Mahashivratri scheduled on Feb 15.Organised by the Shri Shiv Barat Aayojan Mahasamiti, Pahari Mandir, the ceremony was conducted in accordance with traditional Vedic rituals in the main temple courtyard. The event marked a symbolic prelude to the much-awaited Shiv Barat, which draws thousands of devotees every year. Twenty-one women dressed in traditional attire ceremonially prepared turmeric, while 108 lamps were lit, illuminating the temple premises in a spiritual glow. Lord Shiva was bathed in Gangajal, followed by offering of haldi amid Vedic chants. Devotional songs and cultural performances added to the sacred atmosphere, turning the hilltop shrine into a vibrant centre of faith and celebration.
“The ceremony is not just a ritual, but an emotional and spiritual preparation for Mahadev’s wedding. We aim to create a devotional atmosphere across the city before the grand Shiv Barat,” said Rajesh Sahu, president of the organising committee.Committee spokesperson Badal Singh said the event was designed to provide devotees with a deeper cultural and spiritual experience. “Through traditional rituals and collective participation, we want every Shiv bhakt to feel connected to the divine celebration,” he said.According to the committee, CM Hemant Soren was also formally invited to grace the Mahashivratri celebrations and attend the Shiv Barat festivities in Ranchi.
