MAGHA SAPTAMI
Also Known As : Chandrabhaga Mela
Day & Month According To Lunar Calendar : Magha Shukla Saptami (January - February)
Magha Saptami festival is celebrated on the seventh day of
the new moon of 'Magha'. This is a day specifically set aside for the
worship of Sun God at Konark
where stands the world famous Sun Temple,
otherwise known as Black Pagoda, dedicated to Sun God.
A Festival of Sun City
This is the most popular and colourful festival of the place when lakhs
of pilgrims from different parts of India and enthusiastic visitors from
abroad visit Konark to observe the festival. In fact, this is the second
biggest festival in Orissa, next to the
Car Festival of Puri. The
pilgrims take holy dips in the 'Chandrabhaga' which meets here and welcome
the rising Sun with prayers.
A big fair is held at the
Khandagiri caves
near for a period of seven days commencing from "Magha Saptami".
