Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, Aug 24: Despite heavy rainfall, ‘Zagru’, a midnight to dawn ritual of ancient Nag culture, in which Chaillas (priests) enter huge bonfire barefooted, was performed here today in the presence of thousands of devotees of Lord Vasuki Nag at ancient Vasuki Nag Temple in Gatha area.
Despite heavy rainfall, devotees started reaching Vasuki Nag temple carrying Mashals (wooden torch) from midnight to participate in the age-old ritual ‘Zagru’.
These Mashals were put in the form of a camp fire that soon turned into a huge heap of glowing coals around which the priests locally performed Nag rituals till dawn.
Just before the sunrise, the priest entered the burning coals bare footed which in local language is called ‘Zagru Bhannu’ (breaking of bone fire), after which devotees seek blessings from the priests.
According to a local belief, during the process, priests in ecstasy make forecasts for the year which generally turns true.
Zagru ritual is performed since time immemorial every year on second day after the culmination of Kailash Yatra.
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