Archive · 28 Sep 2025
Charak Puja: Ancient Festival of Shiva with Penance and Pain
Imagine a festival where people show their love for a god named Shiva by doing very difficult and painful things.
This festival is called Charak Puja and is celebrated in India.
Some people, called Sanyasis, hang themselves from hooks to show their devotion.
It's like they are sacrificing their comfort for their god.
This festival happens at a specific time of year, and it's linked to when farmers hope for a good harvest.
It's a tradition passed down through many years, showing how people show their faith in different ways.
Charak Puja is an annual festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, blending mythology, devotion, and local traditions.
The festival, originating from Buddhist Tantric practices, is celebrated in Mayong, Assam and other regions.
Charak Puja begins on the last day of Chaitra and continues into the month of Baishakh.
Key rituals include Charak Sanyasis enduring physical penance by being hung from hooks.
The festival is linked to agricultural practices, with prayers for good harvest and rain.
- Who
- Devotees of Lord Shiva, particularly the Shaiva community and Charak Sanyasis.
- What
- An annual festival celebrating Lord Shiva through acts of penance and devotion.
- When
- Beginning on the last day of Chaitra and continuing into Baishakh.
- Where
- Mayong in Assam, as well as other regions including West Bengal and Bangladesh.
- Why
- To commemorate Lord Shiva's sacrifice and seek blessings for a good harvest, and display devotion.
- Festival Name
- Charak Puja
- Primary Deity
- Lord Shiva
- Origin
- Tantric practices of Buddhist origin
- Location
- Mayong, Assam
- Main Ritual
- Sanyasis are hung from hooks
- Timing
- Last day of Chaitra to Baishakh