The Pre-Holi Khatu Shyamji Nishan Yatra starts in Nagaon, Assam; Thousands of devotees take part in the holy padyatra

Khatu Shyamji yatra was cancelled in the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Devotees of Shyamji temple believe that if anyone participates in the procession, all problems and miseries of his life go away.

Nagaon: After a gap of two years, the Khatu Shyamji Nishan Yatra started on Sunday ahead of the Holi in Nagaon district of Assam. The annual Nishan yatra is being organised by Shyamji Mandir situated in the Haibargaon area of Nagaon town. Khatu Shyamji yatra was cancelled in the last two years due to the Covid 19 pandemic. 

The annual Khatu Shyamji Nishan Yatra has begun to mark the pre-Holi festivities in the town. Devotees of Shyamji temple were seen carrying yellow flags, dancing, and celebrating on the streets while carrying the procession of Khatu Shyam Ji. Thousands of devotees take part in the procession, which continues for 3-4 days.

The yatra is carried out every year ahead of Holi. The procession goes till one day before Holi. Arun Saikia, one of the devotees, said, "Such a happy feeling to take part in the holy yatra. We are very happy that this year we can organise the yatra after lifting the COVID-19 restrictions by the government."

Devotees from all over Assam come to Nagaon, which is in the middle of the state, to be a part of the holy procession. It is believed by the devotees of Shyamji temple that if anyone participates in the procession, all problems and miseries of his life go away. The devotees carrying the yellow flags bearing the name of Khatu Shyamji is the uniqueness of the procession. The devotees carry the flags from their homes to the temple, and after completion of the procession, they hoist the flags at their houses to get the blessings of Shyamji. The flag is called the 'Nishan' of Khatu Shyam Ji.