Assamese celebrate Deodhani dance festival

Devotees from across India gathered at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati recently to celebrate the two-day long Deodhani dance festival.

A priest, Kabir Nath Sharma, said: "A large number of devotees come here, including from Nepal, London and America. As of now, it is not very popular abroad, but it is very famous in India. Gradually, the number of foreign visitors is increasing and they research and seek knowledge about this festival. It is a very good festival."

Devotees participating in the festival go through a month long preparatory phase, during which they are not permitted to meet their families and have to stay in the temple premises with a photograph of the deity they want to represent.

They also seek knowledge from their gurus (religious leaders) during this period.

A devotee, Bijuli Goswami, said it was an ancient culture and the festival was being celebrated for a very long time.

"I have been seeing this festival since I was a child and I still come to watch it now. This is an ancient culture and it has been going on for a long time and it is still present here. That is why people value Kamakhya temple so much and they dance here with the belief that they will blessed the goddess and that is why everyone likes it," said Goswami.

The Deodhani Dance, which is prevalent in Mangaldoi and southwest Kamrup area, of northeast India is linked to the Sukanani Oja-Pali.

The temple situated atop Nilachal hills, is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, consort of Lord Shiva.

The 'Deodhani' festival is held in connection with the Manasa Puja (worship of the Serpent Goddess).

It is believed that taking part in this festival bestows the dancers with powers from goddess Kamakhya.