Bokaro: Makar Sankranti was celebrated on Friday by locals worshipping Hathia Pathar. The site is located on the Damodar riverbed along the Phusro-Jainamore main road under Bermo of Bokaro. The spot is known for its elephant-shaped rock, called Hathia Pathar.
On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a huge fair was held every year. But this year, administration stopped the event due to the third wave of Coronavirus. The people worship the rock ‘Hathia Pathar’ believing it to be their ancient king who was cursed by the river Damodar and turned into a rock hundreds of years ago.
On Makar Sakranti, devotees worship Hathia Pathar by offering ‘chadar’ and taking a holy bath in Damodar. It is believed that their offerings will please the river. A priest, Sukhalal Mahto, said that only white goats or chickens should be sacrificed to the devotees during the festival.
It is the biggest festival in this area, according to another priest. “People believe strongly in Hathia Pathar,” he said. It fulfills all of their wishes and brings peace and prosperity to the area. Meanwhile, devotees fly pigeons at the spot believing it is auspicious,” Mahto explained.
Mahavir Mahto, a devotee from a nearby village, said he has been worshipping Hathia Pathar for the past 18 years. He used to hear his mother saying that several hundred years ago, the king of this area arrived at this spot with his son’s wedding procession and was cursed by the river.
When the king with his marriage procession reached here, the river was flooded. It is said that king worshipped the river and prayed that it would subside so that the procession could be carried safely. Also, he promised to sacrifice on returning home after marriage. River goddess heard him and subsided. On his return, King forgot to sacrifice goat, as a result of which river curses him and the entire procession to become rocks. People have been worshipping rivers since then.
Makar Sankranti was celebrated in other parts of the district with traditional fervor. People bathed in rivers at various locations.
