Pushkar Gears Up for Grand Five-Day Chaturdashi Pilgrimage; Top Leaders Expected

According to Omprakash Agarwal, Chief Manager of Gayatri Trust and Jaunpur In-charge, the pilgrimage will officially kick off at 8 AM on August 8. The ceremony will begin with the traditional worship of Lord Brahma's chariot at Gayatri Shaktipeeth.

A host of distinguished guests are expected to grace the inaugural event. This includes Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devanani, Water Resources Minister Suresh Rawat, Union Minister of State and Ajmer MP Bhagirath Chaudhary, and Rajasthan Heritage Authority Chairman Omkar Singh Lakhawat, among others.

Before the main five-day journey, devotees will spend Friday visiting significant pilgrimage sites. This includes Varah Ghat and Varah Temple, followed by a circumambulation of the sacred Brahma Pushkar Lake.

The Extensive Pilgrimage Route and Activities

The core of the event involves a comprehensive pilgrimage covering vast distances. Devotees will undertake a 24 Kosi foot journey (padayatra) and an 84 Kosi chariot journey (rathyatra). These routes will take them through Brahma Pushkar, Madhya Pushkar, Budha Pushkar, and numerous ancient pilgrimage spots.

The journey also includes visits to the revered penance grounds of ancient sages and old temples dedicated to various deities. At each stop along the route, a series of religious and social programs are planned. These include ‘tarpan’ (offerings to ancestors), ‘jalabhishek’ (water oblation), ‘deepyagya’ (lamp sacrifice), and traditional ‘yagya’ (fire rituals).

Beyond the religious aspects, the pilgrimage also emphasizes community service. Programs for cleaning water sources, extensive tree plantation drives, and the establishment of new gardens and groves are on the agenda at various halts.

Dedicated to Mata Bhagwati Devi's Centenary and Social Initiatives

Ghanshyam Paliwal, the Yatra Convener, highlighted that this year's Pradakshina holds special significance. It is dedicated to the birth centenary year of Mata Bhagwati Devi. To mark this occasion, Gayatri Pragya Mandals will be established in 24 villages.

Alongside the pilgrimage, a series of social welfare initiatives will be undertaken. These include more tree plantation drives, 'yagya' ceremonies, public awareness campaigns, and programs focused on environmental protection. Pilgrims will also receive crucial messages on water conservation, cleanliness, nature preservation, and the development of pilgrimage sites.

Paliwal noted the long-standing tradition of this event, which has been held for the past 13 years. Over this period, it has connected thousands of devotees with Pushkar's rich religious, cultural, and historical heritage.

The five-day journey will culminate on August 12 at Brahma Ghat. The closing ceremony will feature an 'abhishek' (ritual bathing) of the Pushkar Sarovar, special prayers, and a grand 'Maha Aarti'.

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