Just imagine… with the first rays of the morning, the houses of the entire village get locked, the streets become deserted, the courtyards become deserted and thousands of people set out together for exile in the forest. It sounds like a scene from a movie, but it is a true and unique tradition of Naurangia village located in Bagaha, Bihar.
Here every year on the day of Sita Navami the entire village leaves their homes for 12 hours.
the entire village becomes empty
Every year, on the day of Baisakh Shukla Navami, before sunrise, the people of Naurangiya village lock their houses and head towards the forest. Within no time the entire village becomes deserted and deserted. It seems as if the village has completely isolated itself from the world for a few hours. From morning till sunset all the villagers spend their time in the forest. They return to their homes only after the sun sets in the evening. During this period no person stays within the village limits. The villagers consider this to be the order of the goddess, and believe that this tradition keeps their village safe from every crisis, disease and natural disaster.
Natural disaster gave birth to this tradition
Villagers say that several decades ago there was a severe outbreak of cholera, smallpox and other epidemics in the village. Besides, natural disasters had also made people’s lives difficult. People were living in constant fear and crisis. In the same time of crisis, a Siddha Paramhamsa sage had reached the village. He showed the villagers the path of special worship of Vanadevi and collective exile for one day in a year. People tried it with full faith and since then peace and prosperity reigned in the village. Since then this trend has continued continuously.
People leave the village and go to the forest.
Vanadevi is worshiped in the forest
The villagers reach Bhajani Kutti located in the forests of Valmiki Tiger Reserve. Special worship of Vanadevi is done there. All the family members sit together and eat Vanbhoj, and the whole day is spent in a religious atmosphere. This tradition is also linked with respect for the sufferings of Mother Sita and her exile. Spending time in the lap of forest increases people’s connection with nature. Collective worship and eating together in the forest turns this day into a big social celebration.
Youth are also following the tradition
Not only the elders, but also the youth of the village follow this tradition with full pride and devotion. The new generation considers it a part of their identity and culture. In today’s era, where people are forgetting their roots, the youth of Naurangiya are happily carrying forward this difficult tradition, considering it as their heritage. The youth believe that because of this discipline and faith their village is still safe from divine disasters.
The biggest example of social connection
This tradition of Naurangia village of Bagaha is not just about worship, but is the biggest example of unity of the entire village. Here every person follows the same rules together and follows this tradition collectively. This unique exile gives the message that when the entire society stands with one faith, it can keep its culture alive for centuries. This unity of Naurangiya village is a unique example of social strength not only for Bihar but for the entire country.