Gorakhpur’s iconic Gorakhnath Temple witnessed an unprecedented rush of devotees hours before the Khichdi festival commenced. From the crack of dawn, serpentine lines formed outside the sanctum, as believers sought divine intervention from the revered Nath yogi.
This surge of bhakti underscores the festival’s significance, where khichdi – a humble rice-lentil dish – is offered as prasad. Legends say Guru Gorakhnath himself partook in this meal, blessing it with eternal auspiciousness. Pilgrims from Bihar, Nepal, and distant UP districts traveled overnight, turning the temple town into a vibrant hub of spirituality.
Temple authorities opened gates at 4 AM, yet by then, over 10,000 had gathered. Special counters for aarti tickets and VIP darshan saw brisk business. ‘The energy is electric; faith like this is rare,’ shared a first-time visitor from Lucknow.
Beyond prayers, the festival promotes social harmony. Community kitchens prepare tons of khichdi daily, served free to all. Health camps and cultural programs add to the festivities. Police deployed extra forces, using drones for crowd monitoring.
As night falls, the temple glows with diyas, and bhajans fill the air. Tomorrow’s mahaprasad distribution will be the highlight, with helicopters possibly showering flowers. This pre-festival devotion signals a grand celebration, reaffirming Gorakhnath’s timeless legacy in India’s spiritual landscape.
