Manali, April 24
A four-day Baisakhi fair is being celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Bhekli Mata Temple dedicated to Goddess Bhuvneshwari in Manali, drawing large numbers of devotees from across the region. Devotees are arriving in large numbers to seek the blessings of the deity, also known as Bhekli Mata and Mata Jagannathi, who is revered as the presiding goddess of the valley. The fair began with a traditional night vigil and ceremonial adornment of the goddess on the first day.
Religious rituals and ancient traditions are being observed throughout the event. As part of the customs, deity Sari Narayan departed from Bhekli to Sari village and is scheduled to return, marking the second day of celebrations known as the small fair.
The third day will be a day of rest, followed by the grand fair on the fourth day, which will include traditional rituals and cultural programmes. Temple priests Shishu Sharma and Vijay Sharma said the shrine attracts strong faith, with devotees travelling from distant places to offer prayers.
