Nati Imli Ka Bharag Milap: Celebrating Forgiveness and Togetherness in Varanasi

Nati imli ka bharag milap is a unique festival celebrated in the city of Varanasi, India. It is a day of joy, happiness, and togetherness for the people of Varanasi. The festival is celebrated in the month of April every year and is marked by the exchange of Nati imli, a sweet and tangy fruit, between the people of the city.

The festival has its roots in the ancient history of Varanasi, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi, also known as Kashi, has been a center of learning, culture, and spirituality for thousands of years. The city is situated on the banks of the river Ganges, which is considered sacred by the Hindus.

The legend behind the festival goes back to the time of the great sage Markandeya. According to the legend, Markandeya was a devotee of Lord Shiva and used to live on the banks of the river Ganges. He had a small garden in which he used to grow Nati imli trees. One day, while he was meditating, a group of young boys entered his garden and started plucking the Nati imli fruits. When Markandeya saw this, he got angry and cursed the boys to become lepers.

Later, when Markandeya realized his mistake, he felt remorseful and prayed to Lord Shiva for forgiveness. Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion, appeared before him and asked him to go to the lepers and give them the Nati imli fruits. Markandeya did as he was told and when he gave the fruits to the lepers, they were cured of their disease.

Since then, the people of Varanasi celebrate the Nati imli ka bharag milap festival as a symbol of forgiveness and compassion. The festival is celebrated on the Chaitra Purnima day, which is the full moon day in the Hindu month of Chaitra. The day is also known as Hanuman Jayanti, which is the birthday of Lord Hanuman, a revered Hindu deity.

The festival starts with the gathering of people at the famous Manikarnika Ghat on the banks of the river Ganges. The ghat is one of the most sacred places in Varanasi and is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva himself performed the Tandava, a cosmic dance. The ghat is also known for its cremation rituals and is considered a gateway to the afterlife.

At the Manikarnika Ghat, the people of Varanasi gather to participate in the Nati imli ka bharag milap ceremony. The ceremony involves the exchange of Nati imli fruits between the people. The fruits are first offered to Lord Hanuman and then distributed among the people. The exchange of Nati imli is a symbol of forgiveness and togetherness and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Apart from the exchange of Nati imli, the festival is also marked by various cultural and spiritual events. The people of Varanasi participate in processions and visit the various temples in the city. The temples are decorated with lights and flowers and are filled with the sound of devotional music and chanting.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Ramlila performance, which is a traditional play depicting the life of Lord Rama, a revered Hindu deity. The Ramlila is performed by local artists and is watched by thousands of people.

Another important event of the festival is the Hanuman Chalisa recitation. The Hanuman Chalisa is a hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa immerse the people in a spiritual atmosphere and fill them with a sense of devotion and reverence.

The festival of Nati imli ka bharag milap is not just a celebration but also a way of preserving the cultural heritage of Varanasi. The festival is an opportunity for the people of Varanasi to come together and celebrate their traditions and customs.

In recent years, the festival has gained popularity among tourists from all over the world who come to witness the unique cultural and spiritual experience. The festival is also a great opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and services to a wider audience.

However, with the ongoing pandemic, the festival was celebrated on a smaller scale in 2020 and 2021. The authorities urged people to avoid large gatherings and to follow social distancing norms. The celebrations were limited to the temples and the exchange of Nati imli was done in a more organized manner.

Final remarks

In conclusion, the festival of Nati imli ka bharag milap is a unique celebration that embodies the spirit of forgiveness, compassion, and togetherness. The festival is an important part of the cultural heritage of Varanasi and is a way of preserving its ancient traditions and customs. The festival offers a unique spiritual and cultural experience that attracts people from all over the world. However, in these unprecedented times, it is important to celebrate the festival in a responsible manner and follow all the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.