Finally, after a two year hold-up, the annual celebration of Lord Venkatesh is being held with much fanare in Khorasa, Junagadh. This is the 130th Rathyatra which took off on Friday, April 22, with the traditional flag hoisting. Organised by Tirupati Utsav Samiti, each day will see the deity give darshan in different avataars: Hans, Kadamba, Hanuman, Surya, Sheshnag, Garuda, Ashwa.
According to samiti president Pravinbhai Chavda, the Rathyatra of Chaitra Vad is a seven-day carnival where more than a 100 businessmen are profitably employed. The festivities will also mark an end to the Brahmotsav.
Here’s a look at the itinerary:
Chaitravad 6, Friday, April 22
After the morning flag hoisting, seedlings were planted. The morning aarti was performed at 9. The Lord appeared in a swan as well as a lunar vehicle, circled the temple’s Patangan and gave darshan to the devotees.
Chaitravad 7, Saturday, April 23
In the morning, Lord Venkatesh, seated on a Kadamba, circum-ambulated the Patangan of the temple. Hanuman rode on the Lord’s vehicle.
Chaitravad 9, Sunday, April 24
At 9 am, sitting on the sun vehicle, Lord Venkatesh roamed the temple. The pujan ritual was performed with Vedic chanting. Then Lord Biraji circled Khorasa village at 5 pm with devotees in tow.
Chaitravad 10, Monday, April 25
Lord Venkatesh will be anointed by 27 kalash in the morning. At 9 pm, on an eagle vehicle, Biraji Bhagwan leaves for walk, in a traditional procession.
Chaitravad 11, Tuesday, April 26
The Rathyatra has been organized at 10 am. It will return at 4 after Upavan Vihar. At 9 pm, in the horse carriage, Parkal will turn green.
Chaitravad 12, Wednesday, April 27
The initiation ceremony of Lord Venkatesh will be performed at 10 amthe morning. Lunch has been arranged for the townspeople at noon. The Brahmotsav will conclude on Wednesday.
