'Divjotsav' celebrated with joyous spirit at Bhumika temple in Palyem, Pernem

GT Digital

The palanquin with Goddess Bhumika.

Bhumika devi | Full of devotion | Worship | All pics: Asavari Kulkarni

A woman with a divaj (lamp) on her head. This ritual is mostly observed by married women and, in few places, also by girls before attaining puberty.

Women's celebration | Divaj | Ritual

Devotees at a procession with the palanquin of Goddess Bhumika.

Bhumika temple | Divine energy | Procession

Once the third round of the procession of Bhumika devi is complete, a fire is lit for the homkhan ritual.

Fire | True test of devotion | Ritual

A woman waits to get the fire bath, which is part of the homkhan ritual. Homkhan means walking through fire.

Coal bath | Faith | Divinity

A woman gets the fire bath (coal bath), while men stand with uski plant leaves that act act as good fire extinguisher.

Fire | Cola | No fear | Walking by faith

On the occasion, a Dashavtari natak (a local traditional drama) was performed. This enactment is seen in Goa and parts of Konkan.

Drama | Devotion | Local tradition
SEE MORE