Page 35 - OPIHI (English)
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nAthdwArA 21
and a swing made of leaves such Govardhana Püjä Chowk, a
as sandalwood. replica of Govardhana Hill is
made of cow dung, and beautiful
On Janmäñöamé, the appearance ceremonies are arranged. Many
day of the Lord, which comes cowherds bring cows and feed
in August or September, the them, cows are worshiped, and
Lord is bathed in five kinds of two cows are led to walk over
nectar and honored by a 21-gun the hill. People throng the
salute. The next day, known as roadsides, windows, and terraces
Nandotsava, is also celebrated to see the unique scene.
with great joy.
As part of the celebrations,
the AnnAküöA festiVAl a hill of rice is offered to the
One of the largest festivals Lord—2,500 kilos. Then the
in Nathdwara is known as temple gates are closed.
Annaküöa. It celebrates the In the evening the gates are
pastime in which the people opened for the darçana of
of Våndävana worshiped Çrénäthajé, and as soon as they
Lord Kåñëa by worshiping open the people start looting
Govardhana Hill. The the rice prasädam from the
Annaküöa festival of Çrénäthajé Govardhana Hill. While the
draws people from all over India. aborigine women stand at the
Many come in special trains, door, their men grab rice from
and all the guesthouses are full. the hill, fill up their shoulder
Even the aborigines from the bags, pass the rice on to the
surrounding hills come to take women, and then go back for
part with great enthusiasm, more. All this adds to the festive
wearing only a loincloth or a scene.—YD
garment down to their knees.
Groups of people wander about
in the town, chanting and
dancing in praise of the Lord.
In the late afternoon, in a
special courtyard called the
