Buxar: The Panchkosi Fair in Charitravan, Buxar, a tradition said to date back to the Treta Yuga, concluded today with a grand celebration. This five-day fair, rooted in the Ramayana period, attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country. On the final day, the offering of litti chokha to Lord Ram has become the highlight of this cultural and religious event.
The fair involves a sacred parikrama spanning five days and five locations in Buxar. Devotees visit Ahirauli, Nadav, Bhabhuar, Barka Nuaon, and Charitravan to offer bhog at each site. According to legends, Lord Ram, Laxman, and Maharishi Vishwamitra performed a similar journey here, receiving blessings from five sages after slaying demons like Taraka and Subahu. On the last day, litti chokha is prepared in every household, and ministers, MLAs, and locals partake in this symbolic tradition.
The fair also highlights the cultural significance of litti chokha, which has grown beyond its regional roots to become a culinary identity for Bihar and Purvanchal in Uttar Pradesh. Judge S N Pathak of the Jharkhand High Court joined the celebrations to savor this dish, which is distributed as prasad. BJP leader Neelmani Devi was also seen preparing litti chokha at the fair.
According to scriptures, this journey of Lord Ram began at Gautam Rishi’s ashram in Ahirauli, where he ate pua and ended at Charitravan with litti chokha. Each stop symbolizes offerings and rituals that are still followed by devotees. Over time, litti chokha has gained national recognition, representing the cultural heritage of Bihar and Purvanchal while continuing to connect people with this age-old tradition.
