INCLEMENT WEATHER DID NOT DETER SPIRIT OF DEVOTEES

INCLEMENT WEATHER DID NOT DETER SPIRIT OF DEVOTEES

2-JULY-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR------------------------------The annual 'Panchit Puja' was duly solemnized on Monday at the ancient and historic Budhiya Kali Mai Temple, located on the town's Bypass Road, amidst an atmosphere of reverence, devotion, and jubilation. Goddess Budhiya—worshipped as the presiding deity of the town... A massive crowd of devotees thronged the temple premises from early morning to seek blessings and worship Goddess Kali. Despite torrential rain, the devotees' faith remained unwavering; thousands visited the Goddess's sanctum late into the night to perform *Jalabhishek* (ritual bathing with water) and prayers, seeking prosperity and well-being for their families.

The temple management committee had made extensive arrangements for the convenience and safety of the devotees. The rituals of *darshan* and worship began as early as 4:00 AM. Committee officials and volunteers remained dedicated throughout the day, ensuring smooth movement, security, and organized worship within the premises. Continuous announcements regarding necessary guidelines and safety instructions were made over the public address system.

The event concluded successfully under the leadership of Committee President Pradeep Rai, Secretary Shivkumar Khemka, Treasurer Ashok Kumar Sarraf, and Security Assistant Basant Kumar. The temple premises were monitored via CCTV cameras, while a special team of female volunteers was deployed in the sanctum sanctorum to ensure the convenience and safety of women. Male and female police personnel also maintained security across the entire complex.

Between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, the traditional annual *Panchit Puja* of the Goddess was performed amidst Vedic chanting and religious rituals. Facilities such as cool drinking water, *sharbat* (sweet beverage), a large waterproof tent, and a free footwear storage stand were provided for the devotees. Following the worship, *Prasad* consisting of roasted gram and jaggery (*chana-gur*), *puri*, and *halwa* was distributed among the devotees. In addition to Goddess Budhiya Kali, devotees also performed rituals and offered *puri*, gram, jaggery, *batasa* (sugar drops), and coconuts to Bhairav ​​Baba, Gharbaswani Mata, and Nimiya Mai.

Throughout the day, the temple premises remained immersed in devotion, resonating with chants of "Jai Maa Kali Buxar Nagar Wali." The annual *Panchit Puja* concluded at 8:30 PM with a grand and divine *Aarti* of the Goddess, accompanied by the offering of *Chhappan Bhog* (fifty-six ritual food offerings). The temple management committee expressed its gratitude to the district administration, police, volunteers, and devotees for their cooperation in making the event a success, and prayed to Maa Budhiya Kali for the happiness, prosperity, good health, and well-being of all people.

Many prominent citizens and volunteers played a significant role in the success of the event, including committee members Bihari Keshari, Lalji Verma, Munna Keshari, Pahadi Verma, Deepak Jaiswal, Vinod Verma, Deepak Keshari, Bittu Keshari, Sandeep Verma, Aditya Kumar, Vinda Verma, Anil Patwa, Gaddi Verma, Parul Verma, Manoj Kumar, Sunil Gupta, Vinay Verma, Sanjay Chaudhary, Akash Verma, Pramod Verma, Rajkapoor Verma, Anup Verma, Ramji Agarwal, Saroj Verma, Deepak Verma, Bade Verma, Kashi Jaiswal, and Sumit Verma.