Prayagraj's Historic Sheetla Ashtami Fair Commences at Kalyani Devi Temple
The three-day annual fair celebrating Sheetla Ashtami at the revered Siddhpeeth Maa Kalyani Devi Temple in Prayagraj's Kalyani Devi area is set to begin on Tuesday, March 10. This traditional event, deeply embedded in the city's cultural fabric, will run through March 12, with the main festivities concentrated on Wednesday, the day of Ashtami, also known locally as Basiaura Ashtami.
A Legacy Spanning Over 150 Years
Chief Priest Shyam Ji Pathak emphasized the fair's historical significance, stating it is the oldest such event in Prayagraj, with origins tracing back more than a century and a half. "This fair has been documented in British-era Gazette Yearbooks, highlighting its longstanding presence in the region's traditions," Pathak noted. The fair aligns with the Hindu lunar calendar, occurring from Chaitra Krishna Paksha Saptami to Navami, a period rich in ritualistic observances.
Rituals and Devotional Practices
Devotees, particularly mothers, observe a fast on Saptami, praying for the health, well-being, and longevity of their sons. A special offering called "nevaj"—consisting of halwa and puri—is prepared in homes on this day. "On Ashtami, this 'stale' or 'basi' food is offered as bhog to Goddess Sheetla and then consumed by families within the temple premises," Pathak explained. This unique practice, where no fresh food is cooked at home on Ashtami, gives the festival its name, Sheetla Ashtami.
Grand Celebrations and Cultural Extravaganza
The fair attracts around one lakh devotees from both urban and rural areas of Prayagraj, creating a vibrant atmosphere of devotion and community. The event extends over a one-kilometre radius around the temple, featuring an array of cultural programs that enliven the nights. Traditional performances such as Nautanki, Birha, and Fagua are staged, drawing crowds and adding to the festive spirit.
Groups of devotees, known as Nishan Bhakt, arrive from various neighbourhoods in processions accompanied by drums, bands, and horses. They offer flags, or dhwaja, to the Goddess, symbolizing their reverence and participation in the age-old customs. This blend of religious fervor and cultural expression makes the Sheetla Ashtami fair a highlight in Prayagraj's annual calendar, preserving heritage while fostering communal harmony.
