Patna in Bihar witnessed intense displays of faith during the annual Panjar Bhokwa religious fair on April 16, as devotees commemorated the legendary love story of Savitri and Satyavan from the Mahabharata.
Participants took part in a dramatic procession, with many piercing their tongues and bodies with iron rods as acts of devotion.
The fair honours Savitri’s unwavering love and courage, who, according to the epic, defied Yama, the god of death, to bring her husband Satyavan back to life.
Her triumph is celebrated as a symbol of devotion’s power over death and destiny.
The visually arresting rituals at the fair drew large crowds and highlighted the enduring influence of ancient mythology in contemporary spiritual practices.
