Baba Vishwanath and Mata Gaura to be adorned in Assamese attire this Mahashivratri in Varanasi
Traditional preparations for the Shiva-marriage ceremony in Kashi (Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh, have intensified ahead of Mahashivratri (February 15). A devotional atmosphere prevails at the residence of the Mahant of the Vishwanath Temple in Tedhinim, where rituals related to Baba Vishwanath's Haldi ceremony, Shiva-marriage, Shiva Barat (procession), and Gauna (farewell ceremony) are being observed. This year, for the first time, the movable idols of Baba Vishwanath and Mata Gaura will be adorned with traditional Assamese attire and ornaments, which will be a special attraction for devotees.
Mahant Vachaspati Tiwari of the temple said that 'Cheleng and Gasoma' garments have been ordered for Baba Vishwanath from the historical city of Sivasagar in Assam, which are symbols of Assamese cultural identity.
Mata Gaura will be dressed in a red and gold silk 'Mekhela Saree' and adorned with traditional Assamese ornaments such as Junbiri (crescent-shaped necklace), Gumkharu (bangles), and Thuriya (forehead ornament). This adornment is considered a symbol of the confluence of the spiritual traditions of Kashi and Assam.
The preparations for the adornment are being done by Akanksha Gupta, a cultural artist from Kashi. Sanjeev Ratna Mishra, the convener of the organizing committee, said that the symbolic idol of Baba Vishwanath participating in the Shiva Barat will also be dressed in royal garments made of muslin and zari, prepared in Kashi. The Haldi ceremony of Baba will be performed on February 13, after which the grand Shiva-marriage ceremony will be held on Mahashivratri.