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Bhavnath Mahadev Fair
Conches at midnight under Girnar as the ascetics reach the sacred pool
The fair follows the lunar calendar; the Junagadh administration and the Bhavnath temple confirm the programme two to three weeks ahead.
The legend
The Bhavnath Mahadev temple stands at the foot of Girnar on the Suvarnarekha river. Its lingam is said to have appeared of its own accord.
The Skanda Purana tells that as Shiva and Parvati travelled over the Girnar hills, the goddess's garment fell here, by today's Mrigi Kund.
The fair is so old that its origins are unknown. Shiva himself is believed to visit on Shivaratri night, and the siddhas of Girnar to bathe in the Mrigi Kund.
Customs
Raising the flag
The fair opens on the ninth day of the dark half of Magha, when the flag is raised over the Bhavnath temple.
Midnight procession
On Shivaratri night the Naga sadhus walk to the Mrigi Kund to the sound of conches, bathe, and enter the temple for the midnight Mahapuja.
Free food and tents
Visitors get free meals and tents for 300–350 people each, and nights bring bhajans, ras-garba and folk music.
Where to celebrate
Junagadh
Five days of free food, akhara camps and night-long bhajans at the foot of Girnar, ending on Shivaratri night, when the Naga sadhus' procession reaches the Mrigi Kund for the midnight bath.