Summary:
Seer Avimuktanand said, “Main celebration of Naga sadhus takes place on Mahashivratri, falling on March 4 this year. Varanasi: The peshwai of Panch Das Naam Juna Akhara was carried out in Varanasi after their deity’s idol Lord Dattatreya reached the city from Kumbh fair in Prayagraj, on Wednesday. Most of the Shaiva Akhara follow this tradition and among total of 13 akharas seven are known to be Shaiva Akhara, seers said.While majority of Naga sadhus prefer to stay at ghat steps along river Ganga, their main Bhandara takes place at Hanuman Ghat Math. Apart from Sri Mahant Prem Giri other mahamandaleshwars, mahants and sadhus participated in the colourful procession.“As per the tradition of Juna Akhara, all Naga sadhus associated with it start gathering in Kashi after attending Kumbh fair after third Shahi Snan but the peshwai is carried out only after idol of Lord Dattatreya reaches here,” said Swami Avimuktanand Giri of Juna Akhara. As per the timing fixed by the local administration, Juna Akhada carries out a grand procession of Naga sadhus in the presence of Sri Mahant, mahamandaleshwar and other mahants from Hanuman Ghat Math to reach Kashi Vishwanath temple for ‘Shahi Darshan’.”After Shahi Darshan, he said, the procession returns to Hanuman Ghat Math follwoing which a grand celebration of Mahashivratri begins amidst devotional chantings by Naga sadhus..