#chitpavan

Chitpavan Brahman Sangh, Nasik
Established in 1933 with the objective to unite and perform activities which are beneficial to members of the community.
Mahalaxmi Ashtami puja in Navaratri is one of them.
On the Ashtami day, koknastha women have the Mahalaxmi vrat. Where the idol is made out of Rice flour. And then decorated with saree, jewellery etc.
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The highlight of this show is jagar / zagor. Where women dance Kalshi fugdi, also called as ghagar phukne. An empty Kalshi is incensed with dhoop and then women dance holding it. In a circle around the idol, or just in front of it.
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This dance has a beautiful significance - The Kalshi or ghagar is a metaphor for womb. And breathing in it while dancing signifies the breath of life that the mother goddess puts in all the living beings on Earth.
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The worship of the mother goddess has one thing in common across India - the presence of fire element - representing shakti. From Dhunuchi in Durga Puja, to the big wicks that are burned during Gondhal in Maharashtra, from garba while holding a lamp on the head, to the Aradhi dance at Tuljapur, fire is always present in the goddess worship. Showing the fierce, yet unavoidable avatar of Durga.

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Chan Prasana vatla namaskar