Touted as Kerala's Kumbh Mela, 'Mahamagh Mahotsavam’ begins on banks of Bharathappuzha

TIRUR: The 'Mahamagh Mahotsavam’, touted to be the Kumbh Mela of Kerala on the banks of the Nila River(Bharathappuzha), began in Thirunavaya in Malappuram district. Governor Rajendra Arlekar inaugurated the festival.

The festival began with the traditional ceremony of Dharma Dhwajarohan. The first bath of the 'Mahamagh Mahotsavam’was held at the Navamukunda temple bathing ghat under the leadership of Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharathi Maharaj. The ceremonies were accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras and musical instruments. The Nila Aarti, held in the evening under the leadership of the pandits who perform Ganga Aarti in Kashi, offered a visually stunning experience.

The chariot procession led by Bharatheeya Dharma Prachara Sabha (BDPS) Acharya, Yatheeshanandanathan, will reach Thirunavaya from Tirumurti Hill in Tamil Nadu, where the Bharathapuzha originates, this evening.

Nila Snanam will also be held every morning. Devotees from various places have started arriving to participate in the 'Mahamagh Mahotsavam’, which will last until February 3. Satsangs, Vidwalsads, Kalari, Yoga and art programs have been arranged. Mahamagh Sabha President Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharathi, Working Chairman K. Damodaran, Chief Coordinator K. Kesavadas, Zamorin family member K.C. Dilip Raja and AK Sudheer Namboodiri of Areekkara Mana participated in the function.