Langoor Mela draws thousands of devotees on first day of Navratras in Amritsar

Meanwhile, temples across the city wore a festive look. A large number of devotees bought puja items from shops and stalls set up in markets and outside temples.

According to the tradition associated with the mela, children dressed as langoors, wearing bright silver-coloured outfits interspersed with red vertical stripes and conical caps, visit the historic Bada Hanuman Temple once a day during the Navratras.

According to the temple priests, the tradition of the Langoor Mela began with the belief that couples wishing for a male child visit the Bada Hanuman Temple to pray. Those whose wishes are fulfilled then bring their children dressed as langoors to express their gratitude to Lord Hanuman. Children dressed as langoors and their parents have to follow a strict regimen, observing the rules followed by celibates, or Brahmacharis, during the Navratra period. They have to remain barefoot, sleep on the floor, consume ‘satvik’ food, shun finery and pay obeisance at the temple every day.

Accompanied by their parents, friends and relatives, many children visit the temple in a festive spirit, dancing to the beats of the dhol. They follow this regimen until the Dussehra celebrations.

Another age-old tradition involves sowing barley seeds in an earthen pot and keeping it in the puja room on the first day of Navratras before immersing them in flowing water on the concluding day.

A day earlier, devotees visiting temples and markets purchased barley seeds to sow at their homes. They also bought red chunris, vermilion, coconuts, flowers and garlands required for the puja.