A remarkable display of deep-rooted devotion was witnessed in Purnia district of Bihar, where female devotees sat with veiled faces in silent prayer for hours during the three-day Thadi Vrat fair. The spiritual gathering took place at the ancient Maa Kamakhya temple located in Majra panchayat, attracting an immense crowd of over 200,000 pilgrims seeking divine intervention for health, family well-being, and personal wishes.
Seven Centuries of Heritage and Faith
Standing for nearly 700 years, the revered Maa Kamakhya temple holds a prominent place among the oldest spiritual shrines in the region. Longstanding local beliefs draw devotees who feel overwhelmed by personal hardships, turning to faith when all conventional efforts seem exhausted. The shrine continues to preserve numerous historical and cultural traditions, offering solace to visitors through rigorous vows and ritual offerings.
The Unique Devotional Tradition of Silent Ardas
The defining highlight of the annual gathering is the silent prayer ritual known locally as Ardas. Women participating in the ceremonies, including attendees such as Neelam and Rupam, explained that people come with varied supplications ranging from hopes of conceiving a son to relief from prolonged physical ailments and complex personal troubles.
Under the customary practice, women observe strict fasts without food or water, remaining seated quietly beneath their veils throughout the prolonged observance. During this ritual, fasting devotees offer fruits, flowers, sweets, and traditional cooked delicacies to those sitting in prayer while invoking the blessings of Maa Kamakhya to fulfill their desires. The participants firmly hold that their wishes will be granted through this devotion, pledging to undertake the rigorous fast themselves in the coming year.
