MANDI chapter – CONSERVATION OF LOCAL TRADITIONAL CULTURE (PANJ BHIKHAM EKADUS-KARTIK PURNIMA) Back
CONSERVATION OF LOCAL TRADITIONAL CULTURE (PANJ BHIKHAM EKADUS-KARTIK PURNIMA)
Commendable initiative of MANDI chapter who organized and celebrated cultural Heritage awareness event on 25th.Nov. 2015 on the bank of holy river Beas at three prominent Ghats ‘Ekadas Rudra,Hanuman Ghat and Vedant Ghat”. In the long course of history, the Mandi people have created their own splendid culture that enriches its importance .This celebration symbolized a local tradition known as PANJ BHIKHAM EKUDAS-on KARTIK PURNIMA day. While ladies from all societies gathered and floated green leaf bowls having flour made DEEPAK in slow moving crystal clear water of river Beas. It looked like all the glittering stars from the sky represented its presence. Over 700 women participating on the banks of the river Beas , gathered on the 3 ghats,namely the Ekadash rudra ghat, Hanuman ghat and the Vedant ghat. It is said that these five days of fasting helps control Kama, krodh and vaasana. It helps to build the latent good qualities of sacrifice patience and giving. Lord Krishna gave this way of fasting to Bhisham Pitamah. By keeping a ‘maun vrat ‘ one pays obeisance to all rishi’s God’s and Pitar devetas.
Puma is performed on the first day with lotus flowers,on the second day with bilav leaves,on the third day with kateki flowers,on the fourth day with chameli flowers and on the last fifth day with Tulsi. On the last day,women then gather on the ghats and leave ‘Bera’ made of leaves with Deepak flowers and others puja items praying to the Gods and the river for blessings.
This tradition was also symbolic for the upkeep and purification of the rivers and respecting waters as a life source.Co-Convener Mr. Anil Sharma took commendable initiative to organize and whole heartily support by its permanent members Sh.KK Sharma, Gajender Behl, Mrs. Hamant Sharma, Nishi Tandon, Indu Sharma,Hitesh, Prem Varsa, Mridula Goel, Col. KK Malhotra and Prithvi Sen. The programme which was attended by several group of spiritual societies and also well covered by local channel and news papers. Col.KK Malhotra, a senior member emphasized about the importance of our cultural heritage and its preservation; welcomed the public and gave good wishes for a very successful festival.
