Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Thousands Light Lamps at Goa Temple and Take Holy Dip in Himachal Lake on Ekadashi
On a special religious day called Ekadashi, two different celebrations happened in India.
In Goa, thousands of people gathered at an old temple called Shree Pandurang Temple to light thousands of earthen lamps.
A government minister, whose family helped build the temple long ago, led this special lighting ceremony.
The lamps made the temple look very bright and symbolized faith and happiness.
Meanwhile, in a different part of India, Himachal Pradesh, many people went to a lake called Renuka Lake very early in the morning to take a holy bath.
This bath is done to honor Goddess Renuka and Lord Parshuram.
A big fair also started at the lake for this occasion, which will last for several days.
People came from different states to be part of these religious events and celebrate together.
Thousands of devotees lit earthen lamps ('diyas') at the 14th-century Shree Pandurang Temple in Goa on Ekadashi.
State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane led the 'Deepotsav' ceremony at the Goa temple.
Simultaneously, thousands of devotees performed a holy dip in Renuka Lake, Himachal Pradesh, on Hariprabodhini Ekadashi.
The holy dip in Renuka Lake began around 3 am and continued throughout the day.
The six-day international Renuka Ji fair commenced in Himachal Pradesh alongside the holy dip.
- Who
- Thousands of devotees, State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane
- What
- Thousands of lamps were lit at Shree Pandurang Temple; thousands of devotees took a holy dip in Renuka Lake.
- When
- On the eve of Ekadashi and Hariprabodhini Ekadashi, with lamp lighting and the holy dip beginning early Saturday morning (around 3 am).
- Where
- Shree Pandurang Temple in Sankhalim, North Goa, and Renuka Lake in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Why
- To celebrate Ekadashi, participate in 'Deepotsav', pay obeisance to deities, and mark the commencement of the Renuka Ji fair.
- Event in Goa
- Deepotsav (Lighting of Lamps) at Shree Pandurang Temple
- Event in Himachal Pradesh
- Holy dip in Renuka Lake and Renuka Ji Fair
- Occasion
- Ekadashi / Hariprabodhini Ekadashi
- Temple Location (Goa)
- Shree Pandurang Temple, Sankhalim, North Goa
- Lake Location (Himachal Pradesh)
- Renuka Lake, Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh
- Temple Origin
- Constructed in the 14th century by Rane family ancestors (Goa)
- Renuka Ji Fair Duration
- Six days, commencing Friday, concluding November 5
