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Published : 14 Apr 2015, 10:10 PM
The festival dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva and Sakti is marked by a strict penance wherein the performers of Charak Puja undergo extreme physical pains and stresses.
Nepal Hrishi Das, a devotee said, “This puja is being performed from the days of Lord Rama. It is the worshiping of Shiva and Durga. In the potrait you will see a single head consisting of two faces and it is called Charak.”
Charak comes from ‘chakra’ or the wheel – the circle of the movement of the Sun.
It is symbolised by the setting up of a high pole from which hangs a devotee. With the help of a strong rope he swings himself round the pole.
It is a difficult and dangerous feat. Charak Puja is performed by usually ten to twelve members, including both men and women.
The bearers of the ritual are called ‘Charkia’ and the main performer ‘Deoboinshi’.
Charak Puja starts with the fasting period. The devotees keep fasts for one complete month before performing the rituals.
During this period the devotees live strictly on fruits and do their daily worship.
After a month of fasting and on the day of Charak, a Charak tree is erected. The average height of these is about 15 feet and devotees hangs suspended from hooks, as a symbolic sacrifice to the Hindu deity Shiva.
Many others pierce their tongue, body with iron rods or walk on sharp machetes, nails and other pointed objects.
The excitement reaches the climax when the performers complete the feat remaining unscathed.
These men and women believe Charak Puja is one way of attaining salvation.
Charak also called Gajan, is held on Chaitra Sangkranti (the last day of Chaitra).
The main object of this festival is to celebrate the marriage of the sun and the earth. The reason for this festival is perhaps to appease the sun and pray for rain during the hot, dry month of Chaitra.
The Chark Puja has been restricted to remote areas after government put restrictions on certain practices.
The festivities in rural areas are marked by local fairs.
