Have you ever seen thousands of colourful flags flying high in the sky? That’s what happens at the Ma Umiya Dhaja Mahotsav in Unjha, Gujarat! 🚩 This amazing festival is all about honouring Ma Umiya, a powerful goddess, and it’s so much fun!
What is the Ma Umiya Dhaja Mahotsav? 🤔
The Ma Umiya Dhaja Mahotsav is a big celebration where people raise flags (called ‘dhaja’ in Gujarati) at the Ma Umiya temple. It’s like giving the goddess a beautiful, colourful hairstyle made of flags! The temple is super old – it’s been around since 1868. That’s over 150 years!
When and Where is the Festival? 📅📍
In 2024, the festival will happen from September 12th to September 18th. It takes place at the Ma Umiya temple in Unjha, a town in North Gujarat, India. The festival starts early in the morning at 6:00 AM and goes on until late at night, ending at 11:00 PM.
Why Do People Celebrate This Festival? 💖
People believe that raising these flags brings good luck and makes their wishes come true. They think it helps them feel peaceful and happy. It’s also a way to show how much they love and respect Ma Umiya.
What Happens at the Festival? 🎭🎶
- Temple Darshan: People visit the temple to see Ma Umiya.
- Puja Vidhi: Special prayers are done for the goddess.
- Cultural Programs: There are fun shows with music and dance.
- Flag Raising: The main event where thousands of flags are raised!
Who Can Join the Festival? 👨👩👧👦👩🦳👨🦱
Everyone is welcome! It doesn’t matter what caste you belong to. Families, women’s groups, temple committees, village groups, and even companies can join in. Thousands of people come together to celebrate!
How to Get There? 🚂✈️🚗
- By Plane: The nearest airport is in Ahmedabad, about 102 kilometres away.
- By Train: You can take a train to Unjha station, which is just 1 kilometre from the temple.
- By Road: Unjha is well-connected by roads. You can easily reach there by bus or car.
Important Information 📝
- The festival is free to attend – no tickets are needed!
- It’s organized by the Shri Umiya Mataji Temple in Unjha.
- You can call them at 8511016000 or email them at umiyamatajunjha@gmail.com for more information.
- Their website is www.maumiya.com
5 Frequently Asked Questions ❓
- Q: Can kids attend the festival?
A: Yes, the Ma Umiya Dhaja Mahotsav is a family-friendly event that kids can enjoy too! - Q: What should I wear to the festival?
A: Wear comfortable, respectful clothing. Many people choose to wear traditional Indian outfits. - Q: Are there food stalls at the festival?
A: While not specifically mentioned, most Indian festivals have food stalls. It’s best to check with the organizers. - Q: Can I bring my own flag to raise?
A: It’s a good idea to ask the organizers about this. They might have specific flags for the ceremony. - Q: Is photography allowed at the temple and during the festival?
A: Photography is usually allowed at festivals, but it’s polite to ask before taking photos inside the temple.
Remember, the Ma Umiya Dhaja Mahotsav is not just a festival – it’s a beautiful way to experience Gujarat’s rich culture and traditions! 🇮🇳🎊 Click to know more