Monday, Sep 10, 2007
'Bees Bhaadon' Holy Dip Holds Special Significance For Kullu Residents
By Rajiv Kimta
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Most of us are familiar with the concept of taking a holy dip at Sangam or the confluence of three rivers at Haridwar. But a holy dip at the confluence of River Parvati and Beas at Bhuntar near Kullu during "Bees Bhaadon" holds a big significance.
Hundreds of Hindus devotees took a holy dip at Bhunter in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu District this week.
The Bees Bhadon festival is celebrated on the twentieth day of the Bhadrapada, the sixth month of the Hindu calendar.
On this day, devotees take a bath at some natural source of water and bathing at the confluence at the holy Bhunter is considered auspicious among Hindus.
As per local legends, deities come to take a bath at the Sangam, and if devotees also take a holy dip along with Gods and Goddesses on the same occasion, it proves highly auspicious for one's life.
"This is our local festival. We believe that at this time our deities bathe at this confluence of River Beas and Parvati," said Thakurdas, a devotee.
Bees Bhandon falls on the twentieth day of the sixth month (Bhadrapada, locally referred as Bhandon) of the Hindu almanac.
"Our Gods and Goddesses come to take a dip at the confluence of Vyas and Parvati at this time of the year. Hence, the devotees also take a holy bath here as we believe that if one bathes with Gods he will get rid of his sins and ailments," said Mukesh, another devotee.
Apart from Bhuntar, during "Bhandon", devotees also bathe for religious reasons at Tatapani in Shimla, Manikarn in Kullu and many other places where the water is regarded to be pure.
Besides, religious significance, it is believed that at this time of the year, the Himalayan rivers are in full flow and they carry varieties of herbal essences as they gush and flow down towards slopes.
Himachal Pradesh is famous for numerous local and other festivals and tourists from all over the world throng to watch the colourful feasts.
Most of the fairs and festivals are related to the seasonal changes. These fairs offer a clear glimpse into the lives, the beliefs and the popular customs of the life in Himachal. (© ANI)
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