The city of Sikar in Rajasthan is abuzz with the celebration of Shitalashtami, a Hindu festival dedicated to Sheetla Mata, the incarnation of Mother Parvati and Durga. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the locals.
Offerings of Cold Dishes to Sheetla Mata
Devotees have been offering cold dishes to Sheetla Mata since morning as a part of the festivities. A large crowd of devotees thronged to visit the Sheetla Mata temple located at Sheetla Chowk to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the deity.
Procession and Fair
Mahant Vishnu Prasad Sharma of Kalyan Mandir stated that a procession will also be taken out in the city today, starting from Sikar’s Sheetla Mata Temple and passing through various routes of the city before reaching back to the temple. The procession will be accompanied by collective singing and chanting of religious hymns.
Moreover, a fair is also being held at Sheetla Chowk, where the festival is being celebrated with much fervor. The fair offers an opportunity for people to indulge in various cultural activities, shop for traditional artifacts, and enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
Jackal Competitions
Apart from the festival of Shitalashtami, several jackal competitions were also organized in the district, including the city from Tuesday night. These competitions are a unique cultural tradition of Rajasthan and attract a lot of attention and participation.
Celebrating Tradition and Culture
The festival of Shitalashtami and the jackal competitions are a reflection of the vibrant culture and tradition of Rajasthan. The celebrations offer an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate, and showcase the rich heritage of the state.
As the festivities continue, it is important to remember to follow all safety guidelines and protocols amidst the ongoing pandemic to ensure a safe and healthy celebration for all.