Gahma Festival Celebrated at Mangala Temple
Kakatpur – Date: 19/8 – (Tushar Dixit):
As in every year, this year too the sacred Gahma Festival was celebrated at the temple of Goddess Mangala, the presiding deity of Kakatpur. This festival, known as Gahma Purnima, commemorates the slaying of a demon named Gahma by Lord Balabhadra on this auspicious day.
Based on this legend, a clay idol of the demon Gahma is worshipped at the northern gate of the Mangala temple. Rituals like Shanti Homa (peaceful fire offering), Bandapana (offering of sacred items), and Aalati (ritual waving of lamps) are performed as part of the ceremonies.
A popular folk belief associated with this tradition suggests that soil from the idol of the demon Gahma, when applied to the roots of fruit and vegetable plants in the garden or backyard, makes the plants healthier and more productive. Therefore, devoted followers and devotees collect this sacred soil and place it at the base of various plants in their gardens, hoping for bountiful yields and plant vitality.
