While Basant Panchami celebrates Saraswati’s wisdom nationwide on January 23, Jharkhand’s Deoghar hosts a distinctive Shiva-centric event at Baidyanath Temple. The Tilakotsav ushers in the god’s ceremonial wedding, with female devotees playing Parvati’s family in a tradition that spans to Shivratri, blending myth, ritual, and revelry.
This Jyotirlinga, famed as the granter of wishes, hosts grand observances year-round, amplified during Shravan. On Panchami, crowds swell as Mithila folk arrive with sweets, garlands, and piety to summon Baba for his baraat. A Treta Yuga legacy, once saints’ domain, now invites all to participate as tilakharus.
Puja initiates the proceedings, followed by embellishments of bel leaves and flowers. In the sanctum, sesame sweets, ghee, rice ears, and red powder are offered. Women lead the tilak application, their devotion palpable in every gesture.
Tied to Sati’s heartfall in lore, the site symbolizes Shiva-Parvati union, attracting devotees seeking miracles. Millions darshan here annually. As Deoghar buzzes with this prelude to weddings divine, the Tilakotsav captures India’s rich tapestry of faith—timeless, inclusive, and profoundly moving.