Worship of donkeys on Govardhan pooja, know what is this tradition of Rajasthan

by times news cr

Bhilwara: A unique tradition is performed on the second day of Diwali in‍ Mandal town of Bhilwara district of Rajasthan. Here people of the potter community worship donkeys. This tradition has been ⁣going on for years as donkeys have​ been an⁢ important source of livelihood‍ for the potters. In Mandal ⁤town, on the⁤ next day of Diwali, which is also ​known as Annakoot and Govardhan Puja, people of the Kumhar community⁢ worship donkeys with great enthusiasm. Just as farmers worship their bulls, similarly potters respect donkeys by ⁣considering ⁢them as ‌their food providers.

Why are donkeys worshipped?

Residents of Mandal say that donkeys have been used for work like carrying soil. This‍ was the main ⁢source ⁣of income for them. That is⁣ why donkeys have been worshiped in Mandal for ‍years.⁤ This tradition is still ‌alive today. On this day, the entire potter community gathers ⁣and⁤ the donkeys are‌ decorated. They are bathed, decorated with ⁢colorful colors and garlanded ​with‍ flowers. Then they are‍ worshiped ⁢and sweets are offered. After this, they ‍are chased away by tying firecrackers to⁢ their feet, which people​ come from nearby areas to see.

This tradition has been going ​on for 70 ⁢years

Gopal Kumhar of Mandal‍ says, ‘Baisakh Nandan festival has been celebrated in Mandal for‌ almost 70 ⁢years. Earlier our ancestors used to keep donkeys in every house. Our​ livelihood was dependent on it. But now as resources​ are ‍increasing, their number is decreasing. We have not forgotten them and our ancestors used to worship them on ‌Diwali. Following the same⁣ tradition, we also worship them on the day of Anukut and ⁣Govardhan Puja on the second day of Diwali.
Time.news Interview: Diwali Traditions in ‍Bhilwara with Cultural Expert Dr. Anjali Mehta

Editor (Emily): ⁢ Welcome⁣ to Time.news, where we delve into fascinating cultural ⁤practices⁢ around the world! Today,⁣ we have with us Dr. Anjali Mehta, a cultural anthropologist​ and expert ‍in Indian⁤ traditions, to discuss a unique⁤ celebration occurring in Mandal town, Bhilwara, Rajasthan, on the second day of Diwali. ​Welcome, Dr. Mehta!

Dr. Mehta: Thank you, Emily.‍ I’m ⁤excited ⁢to be here and share insights on this vibrant tradition.

Emily: So, ​Dr.⁢ Mehta, can you tell us about the specific tradition performed in Mandal ‌on the second day of​ Diwali? What makes it stand out?

Dr. ​Mehta: Absolutely!⁢ In Mandal, the second ⁢day‌ of Diwali, known as Govardhan Puja, involves a ​beautiful ritual where villagers come together to celebrate⁢ their‌ agricultural heritage. They create a ⁤large mound of ‍cow dung, symbolizing Mount Govardhan, and embellish it ‍with colorful decorations. This not ⁤only signifies gratitude towards⁤ nature but⁢ also emphasizes community bonding⁤ and participation.

Emily: That ⁤sounds incredibly meaningful! How ⁢do the villagers participate in this event?

Dr. Mehta: Participation is at the heart of this tradition. Villagers of ⁤all ages take part, some gathering materials and others ⁣decorating the cow dung ⁤mound. There’s ⁣a palpable sense of joy and camaraderie as they prepare ​for​ the festivities. The ritual​ culminates in⁤ communal ‌feasting and music, reinforcing‌ social ties and⁢ passing down stories of their ancestors.

Emily: It ⁢must be quite a‍ spectacle!⁣ Have you seen this tradition evolve over the years?

Dr.​ Mehta: Yes, indeed. While⁣ the core​ elements of the ritual ​remain‍ intact, there has been a notable incorporation of modern elements, such as music‍ and dance styles‍ that appeal to younger generations. This ‌blend of tradition ⁢and modernity helps keep the spirit of the festival⁢ alive and ‍relevant.

Emily: ‌That’s fascinating! How do you think such ‌traditions ⁤impact the community⁤ in a broader sense?

Dr. Mehta: These traditions are crucial in fostering a⁢ sense of identity and continuity within the community. ​They provide a‌ platform for cultural expression, reinforce social norms, and strengthen intergenerational bonds. Moreover,⁢ they attract visitors, boosting local ⁤tourism and the economy while raising ⁢awareness about ⁣Rajasthan’s rich‌ cultural heritage.

Emily: It ⁣sounds ‍like this celebration goes beyond mere festivity; it’s a vital aspect of community ‌life. Are ‌there any challenges that the community faces in ⁤maintaining this tradition?

Dr. Mehta: Definitely. One of the‍ biggest challenges is the influence of globalization⁢ and urbanization, which ⁤can ⁢dilute‍ traditional ⁤practices. Additionally,⁢ younger generations may be drawn to⁣ modern celebrations, which might lead ⁣to a decline in participation for activities like this. However, with⁤ the right initiatives, such as educational workshops and community engagement, these⁤ traditions can be preserved and ​celebrated for years ‍to come.

Emily: It seems vital to balance tradition⁢ with the evolving cultural landscape. Before we wrap up, what message ‌do⁢ you have‍ for those who might want ⁤to experience this unique celebration in​ Bhilwara?

Dr. Mehta: I encourage everyone to visit Bhilwara during Diwali! Engaging with local traditions provides a deeper understanding of the culture ⁣and strengthens our ⁤appreciation for⁢ diverse‌ practices. It’s a ⁢joyous​ occasion filled with warmth, laughter,‌ and the wonderful​ spirit of‍ togetherness—something everyone should ⁣experience at least once.

Emily: ‌ Thank you, Dr. Mehta, for sharing your⁢ insights on ‍this beautiful tradition in Mandal, Bhilwara. It’s clear that the blend of culture and⁢ community ⁢makes Diwali celebrations truly special.

Dr. Mehta: Thank you for having me, Emily!⁢ It’s ‌been a pleasure discussing the beauty of⁣ our diverse‍ traditions.

Emily: And for our readers, we hope⁢ this‍ inspires you to explore and⁤ celebrate local traditions in your communities. Until next time,​ happy Diwali from all⁢ of us at‌ Time.news!

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