A Grand Convergence of Faith in Naugachia Preparations in Full Swing for Bihula-Vishahari Puja; Ang Region to Glow with 'One Lamp per Home' Campaign
NAUGACHIA (Bhagalpur): Naugachia is fully prepared for 'Bihula-Vishahari Puja,' the greatest festival of folk faith and the cultural identity of the Anga region. This year, the festival will be celebrated with immense grandeur and enthusiasm on August 17 and 18. The entire town is buzzing with excitement as preparations enter their final stages.
State Recognition and Rare Astrological Significance
Following the Bihar government's decision to include Bihula-Vishahari Puja in the official cultural calendar, this year's celebration has become even more historic. Mukesh Rana, a dedicated devotee of the festival, stated that this year, August 17 coincides with the third Monday of the holy month of Shravan and Nag Panchami, a rare occurrence that significantly elevates the spiritual importance of this worship.
Main Events and Schedule
According to the puja organizing committee, the three-day religious ritual will follow this timeline:
August 16 (Madwa Pujan): The festival will commence with the 'Madwa Pujan,' where traditional rituals associated with Bihula-Vishahari will be observed.
August 17 (Idol Worship and Grand Procession): This day marks the installation and worship of the main idols. In the evening, a grand campaign of 'One Lamp per Home' will be observed in honor of Mata Bihula. Later in the evening, a grand procession of Bala Lakhinder will be taken out, featuring attractive tableaus depicting the legendary saga of Sati Bihula as the main highlight.
August 18 (Immersion): The two-day grand celebration will conclude on the evening of August 18 with the immersion of the idols.
'One Lamp per Home' Campaign to Unite the City
This year, the puja committee and various social organizations have decided to take the 'One Lamp per Home' campaign to every doorstep. Volunteers are conducting door-to-door awareness drives to ensure that on the evening of August 17, all of Naugachia illuminates with the light of lamps in honor of Mata Bihula. Additionally, the main squares and intersections of the town will be decorated with rangoli and vibrant lighting.
A Confluence of Folk Faith and Manjusha Art
Bihula-Vishahari Puja is not just a religious ritual; it is also a vivid showcase of the 'Manjusha Art' of the Anga region. The pandals will feature Manjusha paintings depicting the immortal love story of Sati Bihula and Bala Lakhinder. Through the worship of the Snake Deity and Mata Mansa (Vishahari), devotees will pray for the protection, peace, and prosperity of their families.
Security and Administrative Arrangements
In a meeting chaired by committee president Bimal Kishore Poddar, it was decided that 24-hour Sankirtan (devotional chanting) will be organized near the main pandal throughout the festival. In addition to making the puja grand, special security measures are being implemented to ensure peace and order.
For the people of Naugachia, the arrival of Bihula is akin to a daughter visiting her maternal home. Extensive efforts are being made this year to ensure the festival reaches the masses, preserving the historic traditions of the Anga region for future generations with full dignity.
