Centuries-old palanquin decked up for Rangbhari Ekadashi; Baba Vishwanath to be adorned in royal khadi attire

Amidst the cool Phalgun breeze and the hues of gulal (coloured powder), preparations for Rangbhari (Amla) Ekadashi are in full swing in the sacred city of Kashi. Arrangements are underway at the Mahant’s residence, ‘Gaura-Sadanika’ in Tedhi Neem, for the symbolic marriage of Mother Gauri on February 27. Cleaning and repair work on the centuries-old palanquin and the silver Shivalaya have already begun.

On Rangbhari Ekadashi, a palanquin procession of the movable idols of Baba Vishwanath and Mother Parvati will depart from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This symbolic marriage ceremony brings Kashi’s folk tradition to its peak.

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After the Shiva-Parvati marriage ceremony on Mahashivratri, the Mahant’s residence, ‘Gaura-Sadanika’, becomes the centre of marriage preparations. The courtyard here is filled with a festive atmosphere, with the aroma of turmeric, the echo of auspicious songs, and the hustle and bustle of adornments.

Mahant’s son, Vachaspati Tiwari, announced that the four-day festival will begin on February 24. It will begin with the oil and turmeric ritual for Mata Gauri. After worshipping the idol, the turmeric ritual will be performed, and a group of women will enliven the ceremony by singing traditional songs.

Pappu Ji, a woodcarver from Kashi, is responsible for cleaning and repairing the centuries-old palanquin used in the Rangbhari Ekadashi procession. He represents the fourth generation of his family in this service. While carefully polishing the wood carvings, metal inlays, and the lustre of the silver Shivalinga, Pappu Ji says, “This is not just work, but devotion and service.” His craftsmanship reflects the faith of Kashi. Along with rejuvenating the silver Shivalinga, its structure is also being strengthened to ensure no disruptions during the procession.

On the day of the wedding, the movable idol of Baba Vishwanath will be dressed in a royal attire made of traditional khadi. This attire is being specially designed, beautifully blending the traditional weaves and simplicity of Kashi. Mata Gauri will also be adorned with special embellishments and fabrics. The idol, adorned in a combination of red, yellow, and green colors, will become a centre of public faith. The Mahant family itself is busy giving the finishing touches to this decoration.

Rangbhari Ekadashi is not just a religious ritual, but a vibrant celebration of Kashi’s cultural identity. This is the day when, after the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, Mata Gauri’s symbolic wedding takes place, and the entire city participates in this divine union.

On February 27, when Mata Gauri’s wedding takes place, a wave of faith will surge through the streets of Kashi. This centuries-old tradition will once again prove that Kashi is not just a city, but a vibrant culture and a vibrant pulsation of eternal faith.