Athgarh, Mar 3: The Agni Utsav was celebrated with great fervour in Athgarh, continuing a unique tradition that has been passed down through generations. While the Agni Utsav is generally observed on the full moon day of the Magha month, Athgarh observes it during the Chaturdashi tithi of the bright fortnight in the Phalguna month, a ritual that takes place at midnight. This tradition, which dates back to the times of the kings, has been carefully maintained, and today, the local administration ensures its continuation as a revered cultural heritage.

After the evening prayers, devotees gathered at various temples, including Shri Radha Govinda, Shri Attali Jagannath, Shri Raghunath, and Shri Narasimha temples. Despite the absence of the traditional monarchy, the celebration still involves making offerings to all the deities at the Narayan temple. The festivities then proceed to Gobabandhu Square, where the Holika Dahan is held -a symbolic burning of evil that marks the beginning of the Agni Utsav.

Following the Holika Dahan, the deities are paraded on their respective chariots in a ceremonial procession. The sacred fire, a central component of the Agni Utsav, is carried by devotees in a grand procession around the village. This ritual is believed to ensure the community is free from the fear of fire and to usher in good harvests for the upcoming year.

As part of the tradition, the local community gathers at Gobabandhu Circle after the evening rituals. Special prayers and rituals are conducted by Brahmins at the Pala Nada, where fire is incorporated into the offerings. These offerings symbolise prosperity, protection, and well-being for the entire village. It is believed that the Agni Utsav ensures the community remains free from the threat of fire, promoting peace and good fortune for the coming year.

The festival concludes with the distribution of prasad (offerings) to all participants, who take it home. This prasad, when placed in the northeast corner of the house, is believed to bring peace and eliminate any fear of fire, ensuring the safety and prosperity of the household throughout the year.