Advalpal brightens up at Divaja Utsav

Abigail Crasto & Rohan Fernandes

MAGICAL!

On the auspicious day of Kartiki Amavasya, many village temples in Goa celebrate their annual Divaja Zatra, where numerous lamps (divaj) are lit.

Goa| Hindu festival| Lamps| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

DEVOTIONAL ETHOS

The Shri Sharvani Devi Temple in Advalpal, Bicholim, is one such place where this ritual takes place.

Goa| Bicholim| Temple| Celebrations| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

GUIDING LIGHTS

In the evening, the procession is held where married women take their lamps and move in rows.

Goa| Festivals| Women| Procession| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

TRADITIONAL ATTIRE

Married women participating in the ritual drape themselves in a kapad, a nine-yard saree and adorn their hair with flowers.

Goa| Traditional wear| Rituals| Saree| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

POWER OF FAITH

Those participating in the ritual observe a fast right from the previous day and pray for the long life of their husbands.

Goa| Faith| Community | Traditions| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

A PRETTY SIGHT

On this occasion many flock to the village to witness this marvelous spectacle.

Goa| Temple| Village festivals| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

VILLAGE FAIR

At the temple premises a fair accompanies the celebrations, where numerous stalls with various items are kept on sale.

Goa| Fair| Stalls| Sale| | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

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