Grand Kalash Yatra Marks the Beginning of Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Katha at Kalika Temple, Falsima

Nine-day religious event during Gupt Navratri emphasizes devotion and liberation

Almora: A grand Kalash Yatra and traditional rituals marked the auspicious beginning of the Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Katha at Kalika Temple in Falsima. The nine-day spiritual event, organized on the sacred occasion of Gupt Navratri, will include the soulful recitation of the Devi Bhagwat Purana, highlighting the glory of devotion and liberation.

Delivering the inaugural discourse, Katha Vyas Acharya Sanjay Krishna Joshi emphasized that ancient scriptures describe the entire earth (Bhulok) in the form of a mother, reaffirming the special place of women in Sanatan Dharma. He noted that while technology is essential in modern times, a person devoid of values is no better than an animal, regardless of their technical knowledge.

Acharya Joshi further highlighted the spiritual importance of listening to the Devi Bhagwat Katha during Gupt Navratri, stating that among the 18 Puranas, the Devi Bhagwat Purana is eternal and offers both devotion and salvation. He quoted the scripture: “Yatra naryastu pujyante, ramante tatra devataah” – “Where women are revered, there the gods reside.” He added that no society can progress without respecting women.

The essence of all Puranas, he said, lies in selfless service to all beings, which is the truest form of devotion to the divine. The tales in the Bhagwat Purana beautifully portray the valor, sacrifice, compassion, maternal affection, and love of Goddess Bhagwati.

Prior to the Katha, the Maa Kalika Seva Mandal and local villagers of Falsima organized a grand Kalash Yatra. A large number of women gathered at the Falsima Naule (traditional water source), where they filled their Kalash (sacred pots) with holy water amid Vedic chants. The procession then traveled about 3 kilometers on foot, culminating at the Kalika Temple, echoing with devotional chants and slogans in praise of the Goddess.

Katha Yajman Trilok Singh Bisht carried the sacred Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapurana on his head throughout the journey. The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including former Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Raghunath Singh Chauhan, BJP State Vice President Kailash Sharma, former BJP District President Ramesh Bahuguna, Ravindra Pandey, former Municipal Chairperson Shobha Joshi, Dhan Singh Bisht, and many other devotees.