Fill in the blank:
The ceremonial procession of Lord Dharnath in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh is locally referred to as a ______.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Chhabina.
The ceremonial procession of Lord Dharnath in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh is locally referred to as a Chhabina.
The Tradition of Chhabina
The Chhabina is a vibrant cultural and religious event that marks the conclusion of the Anant Chaturdashi festival. During this procession, the deity—Lord Dharnath (a form of Shiva)—is seated in a beautifully decorated palanquin or chariot and paraded through the streets of Dhar.
Key highlights of the event include:
- Devotional Atmosphere: Thousands of devotees gather to catch a glimpse of the deity, accompanied by traditional music and chants.
- Local Significance: While "Jhanki" refers to tableaus and "Rath" to chariots, Chhabina is the specific regional term used in Dhar to describe this royal-style outing of the Lord.
- Cultural Heritage: The event showcases the deep-rooted Maratha and Malwa influences on the region's spiritual practices.