63-427: • Navaratri Kalaram Temple, is a Hindu temple in Nashik of Nashik district in Maharashtra, dedicated to the deity Rama . It is a temple situated in Panchavati area of the Nashik. The temple derives its name from a black statue of Rama . The literal translation of kalaram is "black Rama". The sanctum sanctorum also houses the statues of the goddess Sita and the god Lakshmana . Thousands of devotees visit
126-414: A turmeric root, leaves of a mango tree , coconut , and major staple grains (usually eight varieties). A lamp is lighted symbolising knowledge and household prosperity, and kept alight through the nine nights of Navaratri. The family worships the pot for nine days by offering rituals and a garland of flowers, leaves, fruits, dry fruits, etc. with a naivedya , and water is offered in order to get
189-473: A day, or partially fasting each of the nine days by not eating grains or just taking liquid foods, in remembrance of one of nine aspects of Shakti goddess. The prayers are dedicated to a symbolic clay pot called garbo , as a remembrance of the womb of the family and universe. The clay pot is lit, and this is believed to represent the one Atman (soul, self). In Gujarat and nearby Hindu communities such as in Malwa,
252-451: A decorated elephant and taken on a procession, accompanied by tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses, and camels. Another Navaratri tradition in Karnataka has been decorating a part of one's home with art dolls called Gombe or Bombe , similar to Golu dolls of Tamil Nadu. An art-themed Gaarudi Gombe , featuring folk dances that incorporate these dolls, is also
315-470: A family visit to these pandals, and the public celebration of classical and folk dances of Hindu culture. Hindu devotees often celebrate Navaratri by fasting. On the final day, called Vijayadashami , the statues are either immersed in a water body such as a river or ocean , or the statue symbolising the evil is burnt with fireworks, marking the destruction of evil. During this time preparations also take place for Deepavali (the festival of lights) which
378-480: A kingdom. At the end of the Navaratri, comes Dussehra , where the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna , and Indrajit are burnt to celebrate the victory of good ( Rama ) over evil forces. Elsewhere, during this religious observance, goddess Durga's war against deception and evil is remembered. A pot is installed (ghatasthapana) at a sanctified place at home. A lamp is kept lit in the pot for nine days. The pot symbolizes
441-465: A major social and public event in eastern and northeastern states of India, where it dominates the religious life. The occasion is celebrated with thousands of pandals (temporary stages) that are built in community squares, roadside shrines, and large Durga temples in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, eastern Nepal, Assam, Tripura, and nearby regions. It is also observed by some Shakta Hindus as
504-409: A part of the celebration. In Kerala , three days (Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami ) of Sharada Navaratri are celebrated as Sarasvati Puja in which books are worshipped. The books are placed for Puja on Ashtami in their own houses, traditional nursery schools, or in temples. On Vijayadashami , the books are ceremoniously taken out for reading and writing after worshipping Sarasvati. Vijayadashami
567-413: A private, home-based festival. Durga Puja festival marks the victory of the goddess Durga in the battle against the shape-shifting, deceptive, and powerful buffalo demon Mahishasura . The festival begins with Mahalaya , a day where Shakta Hindus remember the loved ones who have died, as well the advent of the warrior goddess Durga. The next significant day of Durga Puja is called Shashthi, on which
630-485: A specially-decorated colourful silver swing, known as Makhar, and for each of the nine nights, swinging Her to the tune of temple music (called as ranavadya ). This is locally called Makharotsav . The last night of the Goa Navaratri festival is a major celebration called the makhar arti . In Karnataka , Navaratri is observed at home and by lighting up Hindu temples, cultural sites, and many regal processions. It
693-509: Is a form or actually is Goddess Parvati . It spans over nine nights, first in the month of Chaitra (March/April of the Gregorian calendar ), and again in the month of Ashvin (September–October). It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Hindu Indian cultural sphere . Theoretically, there are four seasonal Navaratris . However, in practice, it
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#1732859499379756-702: Is a very important tithi and considered as the birthday of Mahishasura mardini rupa of Chandi . On the last day of the festival also known as Navami (ninth day), people pray to Siddhidhatri ("Giver of Perfection"). Sitting on a lotus, she is believed to possess and bestows all types of Siddhis. She mainly bestows nine types of siddhis– anima (the ability to reduce one's body to the size of an atom), mahima (the ability to expand one's body to an infinitely large size), garima (the ability to become heavy or dense), laghima (the ability to become weightless or lighter than air), prapti (the ability to realize whatever one desires), prakamya (the ability to access any place in
819-476: Is associated to an incarnation of the goddess: Pratipada, also known as the first day, is associated with the form Shailaputri ("Daughter of Mountain"), an incarnation of Parvati . It is in this form that Durga is worshipped as the daughter of Himavan (the Guardian God of Himalaya). She is depicted as riding the bull, Nandi , with a trishula in her right hand and lotus flower in her left. Shailaputri
882-399: Is believed that one side of Shiva's body is that of Siddhidatri. Therefore, he is also known by the name of Ardhanarishwara . According to Vedic scriptures, Shiva attained all the siddhis by worshipping this goddess. In most parts of India, tools and weapons are worshipped in a ritual called Ayudha Puja . Many businesses also grant a holiday to their employees on this day. Vijayadashami
945-511: Is believed to represent prayer and assurance of the goddess's protection to the devotees from harm. Mahagauri symbolizes intelligence and peace. It is believed when Kaalaratri took a bath in the Ganga river, she gained a warmer complexion. The colour associated with this day is pink which depicts optimism. She is celebrated on Ashtami (eighth day). In eastern India, Maha Astami is observed on this day and starting with pushpanjali , kumari puja etc. It
1008-509: Is celebrated as the Durga Puja festival by Bengali Hindus , Assamese people , Bihari people , Tripuri people , Maithils , Nepalese people , Bhutanese people , Burmese people , Odia people as well as some minor tribal ethnicities in Bangladesh and India such as Santal people , Chakma people , Manipuri people and others. It is the most important annual festival to Bengali Hindus and
1071-625: Is celebrated commonly by both Bangladesh's Bengali and non-Bengali Hindu communities. Many Bengali Muslims also take part in the festivities. In Dhaka, the Dhakeshwari Temple puja attracts visitors and devotees. In Nepal , the festivities are celebrated as Dashain . In North India, Navaratri is marked by the numerous Ramlila events, where episodes from the story of Rama and Ravana are enacted by teams of artists in rural and urban centers, inside temples, or in temporarily constructed stages. This Hindu tradition of festive performance arts
1134-464: Is celebrated on Shashti (sixth day). In eastern India, Maha Shashti is observed on this day and starting of shardiya Durga Puja. Considered the most ferocious form of Durga, Kalaratri is revered on saptami. It is believed that Parvati removed her pale skin to kill the asuras Shumbha and Nishumbha . The colour of the day is royal blue. The goddess is depicted in a red-coloured attire or tiger skin with enraged and fiery eyes and dark skin. The red colour
1197-780: Is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami . According to some Hindu texts such as the Shakta and Vaishnava Puranas, Navaratri theoretically falls two or four times in a year. Of these, the Sharada Navaratri near the September equinox (the autumn equinox in September–October) is the most celebrated and the Vasanta Navaratri near the March equinox (the spring equinox in March–April)
1260-419: Is considered auspicious for initiating the children into writing and reading, which is called Vidyarambham . The Vidyarambham day tradition starts with the baby or child sitting on the lap of an elderly person such as the grandfather, near images of Saraswati and Ganesha. The elder writes a letter and the child writes the same with his or her index finger. Navaratri celebrations vary across Maharashtra and
1323-456: Is considered to be the direct incarnation of Mahakali . The colour of the day is yellow , which depicts action and vigor. She is also considered to be a reincarnation of Sati (Shiva's first wife, who then reincarnates as Parvati) and is also known as Hemavati. On Dwitiya (second day), Goddess Brahmacharini ("Unmarried One"), another incarnation of Parvati, is worshipped. In this form, Parvati became Yogini, her unmarried self. Brahmacharini
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#17328594993791386-468: Is dedicated to Saraswati , in which military personnel upkeep their weapons and families upkeep their tools of livelihood, both offering a prayer to Saraswati, as well as Parvati and Lakshmi. The day after Navaratri, on Vijayadashami , the traditional Dasara procession is held on the streets of Mysore. An image of the Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a golden saddle ( hauda ) on the back of
1449-402: Is depicted riding a ferocious lion , having four arms, and holding her baby. Born to sage Katyayana , she is an incarnation of Durga which killed the buffalo-demon, Mahisa and is shown to exhibit courage which is symbolized by the colour red. Known as the warrior goddess, she is considered one of the most violent forms of Devi. In this avatar, Katyayani rides a lion and has four hands. She
1512-516: Is locally called Dasara and it is the state festival ( Naadahabba ) of Karnataka. Of the many celebrations, the Mysuru Dasara is a major one and is popular for its festivities. The contemporary Dasara festivities at Mysore are credited to the efforts of King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610. On the ninth day of Dasara , called Mahanavami , the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession of decorated elephants and horses. Also, Ayudha Puja
1575-465: Is observed during the lunar month of Magha (January–February). This Navaratri is also known as Gupt (secret) Navaratri. The fifth day of this festival is often independently observed as Vasant Panchami or Basant Panchami , the official start of spring in the Hindu tradition, where in goddess Saraswati is revered through arts, music, writing, and kite flying. In some regions, the Hindu god of love, Kama
1638-532: Is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. In the southern, eastern, northeastern, and some northern states of India, Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, commemorating goddess Durga's victory against the buffalo-demon Mahishasura to restore and protect dharma. Dussehra, in Hinduism, is a holiday marking the triumph of Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu , over
1701-457: Is particularly strong in South India, but is observed elsewhere too. Chaitra Navaratri , also called Vasantha Navaratri , is the second most celebrated Navaratri, named after vasanta which means spring. It is observed during the lunar month of Chaitra (March–April). The festival is devoted to goddess Durga , whose nine forms are worshipped on nine days. The last day is also Rama Navami ,
1764-413: Is revered. Magha Navaratri is observed regionally or by individuals. Ashada Navaratri, also known as Gupta Navaratri, is observed during the lunar month of Ashadha (June–July), during the start of the monsoon season. Ashada Navaratri is observed regionally or by individuals. The festival is associated to the prominent battle that took place between Durga and the demon Mahishasura to celebrate
1827-469: Is the next most significant to the culture of the Indian subcontinent. In all cases, Navaratri falls in the bright half (waxing phase ) of the Hindu lunisolar months . The celebrations vary by region, leaving much to the creativity and preferences of the Hindu. Sharada Navaratri is the most celebrated of the four Navaratri, named after Sharada which means autumn. It commences on the first day ( pratipada ) of
1890-633: Is the post-monsoon autumn festival called Sharada Navaratri. There are 2 Gupta Navaratris or "Secret Navaratris" as well, one starting on the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of the Magha Month (Magha Gupta Navaratri) and another starting in the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Ashadha Month. The word Navaratri means "nine nights" in Sanskrit , nava meaning "nine" and ratri meaning "nights". In
1953-399: Is worshipped for emancipation or moksha and endowment of peace and prosperity. Depicted as walking bare feet and holding a rudrakshmala (japmala) and a kamandala (water pot) in her hands, she symbolizes bliss and calm. White is the colour code of this day. The orange colour which depicts tranquility is sometimes used so that strong energy flows everywhere. Tritiya (third day) commemorates
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2016-535: The garbo significance is celebrated through performance arts on all nine days. The most visible is group dances called Garba accompanied by live orchestra, seasonal raga , or devotional songs. It is a folk dance where people of different background and skills join and form concentric circles. The circles can grow or shrink, reaching sizes of hundreds or thousands of people, dancing and clapping in circular moves in their traditional attire. The garba dance sometimes deploys dandiyas (sticks), coordinated movements and
2079-501: The 10-headed demon king Ravana , who abducted Rama’s wife, Sita . The festival’s name is derived from the Sanskrit words dasha (“ten”) and hara (“defeat”). Symbolizing the victory of good over evil, Dussehra is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Ashvina (September–October), the seventh month of the Hindu calendar, with the appearance of the full moon, an event called the “bright fortnight” ( shukla paksha ). Dussehra coincides with
2142-516: The Sharada Navaratri culminates in Durga Puja and Vijayadashami . In the past, Shakta Hindus used to recite Durga's legends during the Chaitra Navaratri around the spring equinox . For most contemporary Hindus, it is the Navaratri around the autumn equinox that is the major festival and the one observed. To Bengali Hindus and to Shakta Hindus outside of eastern and northeastern states of India,
2205-457: The birth of Lord Rama. It is the largest cattle trading fair and attracts a large handicraft market in pottery, kitchen, and housewares, as well as traditional clothing. Festive performance arts and celebrations are held at the local Hindu temple dedicated to Sita, Hanuman, Durga, and Ganesha. Navaratri in Gujarat is one of the state's main festivals. The traditional celebrations include fasting for
2268-792: The birthday of Rama . For this reason, it is also called Rama Navaratri by some people. In many regions, the festival falls after spring harvest, and in others, during harvest. It also marks the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, also known as the Hindu Lunar New Year, according to the Vikram Samvat calendar. Chaitra Navaratri is called Navreh by the Kashmiri Pandits , Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh , Telangana and Karnataka . Magha Navaratri
2331-474: The bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashvini . The festival is celebrated for nine nights once every year during this month, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October. The exact dates of the festival are determined according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, and sometimes the festival may be held for a day more or a day less depending on the adjustments for sun and moon movements and
2394-486: The common theme is the battle and victory of good over evil based on a regionally famous epic or legend such as the Devi Mahatmya . Celebrations include worshipping nine goddesses during nine days, stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism . The nine days are also a major crop season cultural event, such as competitive design and staging of pandals ,
2457-434: The conflict caused by Satyagraha organised and led by B.R. Ambedkar . Now it is known as Kalaram mandir satyagraha. Ambedkar organised a large protest outside this temple on 2 March 1930, in order to enter into the temple. Many dalit protesters arrived to the town by trucks, they surrounded the temple and sat around it. They sang songs, often raised war cries, demanded to enter in the temple. The people of Nashik boycotted
2520-427: The creative power of the universe, Kushmanda is associated with the endowment of vegetation on earth, and hence, the colour of the day is green. She is depicted as having eight arms and sits on a tiger. Skandamata , the goddess worshipped on Panchami (fifth day), is the mother of Skanda (or Kartikeya ). The green colour is symbolic of the transforming strength of a mother when her child is confronted with danger. She
2583-460: The culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival and with the tenth day of the Durga Puja festival. For many, it marks the beginning of preparation for Diwali , which occurs 20 days after Dussehra. Navaratri is celebrated in different ways throughout India. Certain people revere different aspects of Durga and some people fast while others feast. The Chaitra Navaratri culminates in Ram Navami and
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2646-406: The eastern and northeastern states of India , the Durga Puja is synonymous with Navaratri , wherein goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to help restore dharma . In southern states, the victory of Durga or Kali is celebrated. In the western state of Gujarat , Navaratri celebrations are constituted by arti , followed by garba . In all cases,
2709-563: The floor. This satyagraha ran till 1935. The main entrance has a black idol of Hanuman .There is also a very old tree that has Dattatreya 's footprint impressions marked on a stone. Pilgrims visit the Kapaleshwar Mahadev temple near the Kalaram Temple. Hanuman's temple is designed in such a way that, Rama's idol can be visible from Hanuman's idol. Main temple of Rama has 14 steps, which represents 14 years of Rama's exile. Also,
2772-519: The leap year. In many regions, the festival falls after the autumn harvest, and in others, during harvest. The festivities extend beyond goddess Durga and various other goddesses such as Saraswati and Lakshmi . Deities such as Ganesha , Kartikeya , Shiva , and Parvati are regionally revered. For example, a notable pan-Hindu tradition during Navaratri is the adoration of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and arts, through Ayudha Puja . On this day, which typically falls on
2835-529: The local community welcomes the goddess Durga and festive celebrations are inaugurated. On the seventh (Saptami), eighth (Ashtami), and ninth (Navami) day, Durga, along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, are revered. These days mark the main Puja (worship) which is performed by the recitation of scriptures, legends of Durga in the Devi Mahatmya, and social visits by families to temples and pandals . On
2898-426: The masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. amānta / pūrṇimānta . If a festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa. Traditional Navaratri is an annual Hindu festival observed in honor of the goddess Durga , an aspect of Adi Parashakti , the supreme goddess. For Shaivites and Shaktas , Durga
2961-460: The new temple which was rebuilt around the 1700s. It is claimed that once Odhekar had a dream that the statue of Rama in black color was in the Godavari River . He carried out an expedition to revive the idol and miraculously got it. Odhekar took the statue from the river and requested a saint for the reconsecration of the statue as per the instructions of God in the dream. After that Odhekar built
3024-465: The ninth day of Navaratri, peace and knowledge is celebrated. Warriors thank, decorate, and worship their weapons, offering prayers to Saraswati. Musicians upkeep, play, and pray their musical instruments. Farmers, carpenters, smiths, pottery makers, shopkeepers, and all sorts of tradespeople similarly decorate and worship their equipment, machinery, and tools of trade. Students visit their teachers, express respect, and seek their blessings. This tradition
3087-432: The protesters. On the day of Rama Navami 9 April 1930, the dalit protesters tried to stop the temple ratha yatra ; fights and stone pelting began between the higher caste Hindus and the dalit protesters, later Ambedkar reached at the riot spot, he and other all the protesters suffered minor injuries. Somehow a protester named Bhaskar Kendre broke the police cordon who were protecting the temple and enter in it and fell on
3150-501: The seeds sprouted. Some families also celebrate Kali Puja on days 1 and 2, Lakshmi Puja on days 3, 4, 5 and Saraswati Puja on days 6, 7, 8, 9 along with Ghatasthapana. On the eighth day, a "Yajna" or "Hom" is performed in the name of Goddess Durga. On the ninth day, the Ghat puja is performed and the Ghat is dismantled after taking off the sprouted leaves of the grains. Hindu festivals Too Many Requests If you report this error to
3213-447: The specific rites differ between regions, even if they are called the same and dedicated to the same deity. The most common celebration begins on the first day of Navaratri with Ghatasthapana , which literally means "mounting of a jar". On this day, rural households mount a copper or brass jar, filled with water , upon a small heap of rice kept on a wooden stool ( pat ). The jar is typically placed other agriculture symbols such as
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#17328594993793276-433: The story is organized by communities in hundreds of small villages and towns, attracting a mix of audiences from different social, gender. and economic backgrounds. In many parts, the audience and villagers join in and participate spontaneously, some helping the artists, others helping with stage set up, create make-up, effigies, and lights. Navaratri has historically been a prominent ritual festival for kings and military of
3339-679: The striking of sticks between the dancers, and teasing between the genders. Post dancing, the group and the audience socializes and feasts together. Regionally, the same thematic celebration of community songs, music, and dances on Navaratri is called garba . In the temples of Goa , on the first day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, a copper pitcher, surrounded by clay, is installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of Devi and Krishna temples, in which nine varieties of food grains are placed. The nine nights are celebrated through devotional songs and religious discourses. Artists arrive to perform folk musical instruments. Celebrations include placing Durga's image in
3402-683: The temple every day. The original temple dedicated to an unknown deity was very old, estimated to be of the Rashtrakuta Period from the 7th to 11th centuries. However, the claimed antiquity of the Rama idol , which was more than 2000 years old, has not been verified. According to an anecdote, during the early Turkish invasions, the idol of the deity was thrown into the Godavari River by the Temple Brahmins to save it. One Sardar Rangarao Odhekar funded
3465-542: The temple has 84 pillars, which represents cycle of 84 lakh species one has to go in order to get human birth. 20°00′25″N 73°47′44″E / 20.0069387°N 73.7955010°E / 20.0069387; 73.7955010 Navaratri The Hindu calendar is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: māsa (lunar month), pakṣa (lunar fortnight) and tithi (lunar day). Furthermore, when specifying
3528-527: The temple. Odhekar's expedition is an important part of Nashik's history. There is a statue of Sardar Odhekar in the temple. According to ancient epic of the Ramayana , Rama was sent in exile for fourteen years. After the tenth year of exile, Rama along with Lakshmana and Sita, lived for two and half years on the northern bank of the Godavari near Nasik. This place is known as Panchavati . The temple came middle of
3591-458: The tenth day, also known as Vijayadashami , a great procession is held where clay statues of Durga are ceremoniously walked to a river or ocean coast for a solemn goodbye. Many mark their faces with vermilion ( sindooram ) or dress in red clothes. It is an emotional day for some devotees, and the congregation sings emotional goodbye songs. After the procession, Hindus distribute sweets, gifts, and visit their friends and family members. Durga Puja
3654-508: The term Navaratri implies Durga Puja in the warrior goddess aspect of Devi. In other traditions of Hinduism, the term Navaratri implies the celebration of Durga but in her more peaceful forms, such as Saraswati – the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and other arts. In Nepal, Navaratri is called Dashain , and is a major annual homecoming and family event that celebrates the bonds between elders and youngsters with Tika Puja , as well as across family and community members. Navaratri
3717-447: The universe and the uninterrupted lit lamp symbolizes Durga. In parts of Bihar and Jharkhand, Durga is revered during the autumn of Navaratri. A huge number of pandals are made. In Bihar , Durga is worshipped alongside Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartikey, and Ganesha. In other parts like Sitamarhi and close to the Nepal border, the spring Navaratri attracts a large Rama Navami fair, which marks
3780-575: The victory of good over evil. This isn’t just a simple tale of good versus evil, but one filled with layers of symbolism and moral lessons. These nine days are solely dedicated to Durga and her nine avatars – the Navadurga . The specific forms of navadurga are extracted from the Devikavaca, a subsection of the Devipurana text and representative of a major aspect in the life of the goddess, Parvati. Each day
3843-459: The world), isitva (the ability to control all material elements or natural forces) and vasitva (the ability to force influence upon anyone). Here, she has four hands. Also known as Mahalakshmi, The purple colour of the day portrays an admiration towards nature's beauty. Siddhidatri is Parvati , the wife of Shiva . Siddhidhatri is also seen as the Ardhanarishvara form of Shiva and Shakti. It
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#17328594993793906-404: The worship of Chandraghanta – the name derived from the fact that after marrying Shiva, Parvati adorned her forehead with the ardhachandra (lit. half-moon). She is the embodiment of beauty and is also symbolic of bravery. Grey is the colour of the third day, which is a vivacious colour and can cheer up everyone's mood. Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on Chaturthi (fourth day). Believed to be
3969-544: Was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" in 2008. The festivities, states UNESCO, include songs, narration, recital and dialogue based on the Hindu text Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas . It is particularly notable in the historically important Hindu cities of Ayodhya , Varanasi , Vrindavan , Almora , Satna and Madhubani – cities in Uttar Pradesh , Uttarakhand , Bihar , and Madhya Pradesh . The festival and dramatic enactment of
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