Flood of reverence gathered in Renukoot. Former Chairman Nisha Singh gave a warm welcome to the grand Mahabaraat of Lord Bhootnath.

Special report by Ajit Singh (Bureau)

Renukoot/Sonbhadra

On the holy festival of Mahashivratri, the industrial city Renukoot looked completely Shiva-filled. Devotees immersed in the devotion of Devadhidev Mahadev took out a grand procession of Lord Bhootnath, which received a grand welcome at many places in the city. In this sequence, a Mahabarat was given an unprecedented welcome at the residence of Nisha Singh, former Chairman of Nagar Panchayat Renukoot, where she along with her family worshiped Bholenath and received blessings.

Keeping the tradition of every year alive, this year also the procession of Lord Bholenath was taken out in a very grand and attractive manner. Beautiful tableaux based on the stories of Shiva and Parvati included in the procession were the center of attraction. Artists dressed as ghosts, vampires, gods and saints presented a lively scene. The whole atmosphere resonated with the slogan of Damru Dal and Har-Har Mahadev. Crowds gathered on the streets to see these scenes and devotees greeted the procession by showering flowers. As soon as the Mahabarat reached near the residence of former chairman Nisha Singh, the atmosphere there became completely devotional.

Nisha Bablu Singh welcomed the form of Lord Shiva with full rituals. He along with his family performed the Aarti of Lord Bhootnath and offered flowers with devotion. On this occasion, he expressed his feelings and said that it is a matter of great pride for me to be a part of this supernatural Mahabarat of Lord Shiva and to have the privilege of worshiping Bholenath. May Baba Bhootnath shower his immense blessings on the residents of the city and may everyone’s life be filled with happiness and prosperity, this is my prayer. The team of the former Chairman worked day and night with a spirit of service and dedication to make this program a success.

To welcome the procession, special arrangements of refreshments and cold water were made for the devotees and devotees at the residence. A large number of local citizens, public representatives and dignitaries were present during the program. Strict security arrangements were made on the procession route, so that Shiva devotees could easily reach their destination. The police force and the team of volunteers remained busy in handling the arrangements with full alertness.