Two century old Vijat Maharaj’s temple celebrate Shand festival at Khadah

Himachal Pradesh also known as land or gods or Dev-Bhoomi ruled by the deities reside in every area of the state, the unique traditions and culture are exhibited for hundreds of yearsin various shrines and festivals in trans Giri region of Sirmaur district..On the occasion of Dussehra, a historic ‘Shanda’ festival of Vijat Maharaj was celebrated in Khadah village of Gram  Panchayat Divdi Khadah on Friday. 
 This festival was held 32 years ago in 1989, as due to prevailing condition of this village, this Shanda festival could notheld and this year it was celebrated today after coming up and renovation of Vijat Maharaj’s temple in the mid of village.
To increase the the longevity of temple  Khunevad( main roof wood)  was installed on the top  of the first temple.  It is believed to be the crown of Vijat Maharaj made of deodar which is installed on the roof of the temple.
 Six panchayats of district Sirmaur and five panchayats of Nora Baura, Kulag, Chadoli, Bandal Kafla village panchayats of district Shimla participated and took blessings of the deity here. With chanting of Mantra and hailing of Vijat Maharaj  , the work of planting  the Khunevad started.
 Hundreds of people performed the ritual praising Vijat Maharaj to the tune of traditional musical instruments. The devotes were filled with utmost devotion and blessing while performing this ritual. The priest Mastram told that from this peaceful festival, the whole area became devotional due to the cheers of Vijat Maharaj.
 Here during the entire Navratras, worship lessons were organized by nine pundits. Shanda Parv was organized on the tenth day. 
 On this occasion, the holy stick of Vijat Maharaj had also reached from Vijat Maharaj temple located at Sarahanin district Shimla.  Which was brought by Bhandari( treasurer ) Pradeep of 14 Parganas( region). 
 The priest told that this temple is two hundred years old, which has now been built in the ancient style.  Apart from the deities in the temple, it is decorated with wonderful wood art. In which lakhs of rupees have been spent.
 On this occasion, people entertained a lot by performing Rasa dance with traditional tunes and songs.  A huge Bhandara was also organized for the devotees who came from outside in Shand.