Navratri: This Durga Devotee Balances 21 Urns On Chest

Marking commencement of nine-day long Navratri festival, this ardent devotee of Goddess Durga has kept a structure made of 21 'Kalash' or sacred urns on his chest as a mark of respect to deity. Bihar's Nshwar Baba has been doing this nine-day annual ritual for 22 years as a mark of devotion towards Goddess Durga.

"I've been keeping Kalash on my chest every year since last 22 years. Goddess Durga has bestowed upon me strength to continue with this task. I started fasting 15 days earlier than everyone. excitement and happiness one is filled with cant be concealed as Durga Puja approaches. A number of people come for Maa's 'darshan' during this time and see my devotion towards her," he told ANI.

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Nshwar continued, "I dreamt about falling sick and found myself actually falling sick at night. doctor informed that both my kidneys were damd. However, after worshipping and with grace of Maa, I recovered very next morning. Since n I have devoted myself all more in service of Durga Maa."

As per Vijay Yadav,  founder of Navlakha Mandir, structure which Nshwar Baba places on his chest weighs nearly 45 kilograms.

"Navlakha Mandir celebrates Navaratri with enthusiasm. We carry out all rituals in devotion to Durga Maa during this period. We fully support Nshwar Baba in his devotion to Goddess," he added.

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Also kwn as Sharad Navratri, occasion is believed to mark Goddess Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura, signifying victory of good over evil. festival is celebrated across country in different forms and involves worship of Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. Devotees offer prayers to Hindu Goddess and observe fast. tenth day of Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijayadashami