Venita Gomes
Around this time every year, Virabhadra takes place at the Shree Pandurang Devasthan Vithalapur, in Sankhali.
Virabhadra is a traditional dance, which is an enactment of the famous Hindu mythological character, called Virabhadra, said to be created by Lord Mahadeva.
During this event, a member of the Shirodkar family enacts the Virabhadra folk dance. Holding two swords in his hands, he takes a couple of rounds of a burning pyre.
He is dressed in royal costume and makeup depicting Virabhadra.
Before playing the role of Virabhadra, he has to undergo strict observances such as fasting.
During the performance, he goes into a trance and turns aggressive, the entire scene fills the minds of the spectators with fear.