PANAJI
The Homkund Utsav was celebrated with much fervour at Borde-Bicholi's Shree Vadeshwar temple complex and the Dhondgan devotees walked barefoot on the burning coal, carrying the divine Kumbh on their heads. The Sovale Vrat' of the Dhondgans begins on the day of Holi and people from Bicholim and surrounding areas flock to attend the festival in large numbers. The Homkund Utsav is the traditional way of celebrating the festival and youth are keen on participating in it. After the 'Sovale Vrat' there was 'Vhadale Jevan' after which the fasting begins. On the day of Homkund Utsav, the Dhondgans have only 'Faral' or light snacks. The Devi Kalash was brought to Vadeshwar in the evening and was kept for 'Darshan' for the devotees.
At midnight, the Devi Kalash and Dhondgans circumferenced the Homkund and it was ignited. After that, the Dhondgans went to the Zari (stream) at Vhalashi for a holy dip. After the bath and decorating the Devi Kalash, it was brought to the Homkund again. On the way, the Dhondgans visited Shree Sateri, Shree Mahamaya, Shree Ravalnath, Shreevant Devali, Chavhata, Brahman, the procession reached Vadeshwar temple at 3 am. Here the Dhondgans and the Modpurush who carried the Devi Kalash walked barefoot through the Homkund which was live, burning. The Utsav concluded with the distribution of the Prasad.
