Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, Sept 15: ‘Zagru’ a midnight to dawn ritual of ancient Nag culture in which the Challas (priests) enter bonfire barefooted in the presence of thousands of devotees of Nag was held at centuries old Vasuki Nag Temple in Gatha area here today.
Devotees start converging at ancient Vasuki Nag temple carrying Mashals (wooden torch) from midnight to take part in the ritual ‘Zagru’.
These Mashals are put in the form of camp fire that soon turns into huge heap of glowing coals around which the priests locally known as Chellas perform Nag rituals till dawn.
Just before the sunrise, the priest enters into the burning coals bare footed which in local language is called ‘Zagru Bhannu’ (breaking of bone fire), after which devotees seek blessings from the priests.
According to local belief, during the process, priests in ecstasy make forecasts for the year which generally turn true.
Zagru ritual is performed since time immemorial every year on second day after the culmination of Kailash Yatra.
Visitors who come from different parts of the country to be a part of the unique Nag ritual said: “If projected in a proper way, this event could become main attraction of pilgrimage tourists.”
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