![]() Rituals of Charak Puja Charak Puja is dedicated to the Goddess Shakti and the Lord Shiva, and people who take part in this puja are required to undergo a prolong fast. Generally during such fasts the devotees are not permitted to have food from early morning till evening and therefore, be subjected to physical pain. However, at the time of Charak Puja, those who take up fasting, are allowed only to have some fruits and are required to pray to the Lord Shiva for his divine blessings. ![]() Unique Practices in Charak Puja On the auspicious day of the 'Gajan' or the 'Charak', bamboo stages are constructed over bamboo poles, and its height ranges from ten to fifteen feet and then follows a very fascinating incident. The devotees are popularly called 'Charak' who take up hardships for satisfying Lord Shiva. After the proper execution of a month long fasting and meditation, the devotees climb up to the high bamboo stage and jump or just through themselves forward. They fall on the ground which is completely filled with thorns, glass, knives and a list of other devious weapons. ![]() These Charak also carry out other risky tasks like getting tied with a hook on the back and then being moved around a bar with a long rope. This is not the end; some also hurt their body parts to show the miracle of God. In this process they express their deep faith on their Gods and Goddesses. Normally ten to twelve members take part in this ritual together. The chief performer of this puja is called the Deoboinshi. Charak are of two types; one is known as the Chak Charak and the other is called the Chila Charak. Charak Puja is, thus, celebrated with lots of hardships. Beliefs of Charak Puja It is believed by the devotees that Charak Puja will bring in prosperity by wiping out the sufferings and sorrow of the last year. This is celebrated mainly to please the Lord Shiva, the renowned 'Debadideb' of the Hindus. Even if the festival is held on the mid night of Chaitra Sankranti, the preparation for the same normally kicks off before one month of the day. |
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