Varanasi, Jan. 19 -- The traditional Tilakotsav (anointing ceremony) of the five-faced idol of Baba Vishwanath will be performed at the Mahant's residence in Tedhi Neem here on the occasion of Basant Panchami, January 23.
According to tradition, before Mahashivratri, on Basant Panchami, which falls on Friday this year, the people of Varanasi perform the Tilakotsav at the Mahant's residence in Tedhi Neem.
This marks the beginning of the folk tradition associated with the auspicious rituals of Baba Vishwanath, which continues until Gaura's Gauna (farewell ceremony) on Rangbhari Ekadashi.
After the Tilakotsav on Basant Panchami on Friday, two days before Mahashivratri, the people of Kashi will apply auspicious turmeric paste to the idol of ...