Khichdi Mahaparva: Gorakhnath Temple witnesses an ocean of faith

An overwhelming wave of devotion swept through the Gorakhnath Temple as millions of devotees gathered to offer sacred khichdi to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was the first to offer the sacred khichdi, upholding the centuries-old Nath tradition

On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Gorakshpeethadhishwar performed rituals and prayed for the welfare and prosperity of the people of Uttar Pradesh

The Chief Minister personally supervised all arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the Mahaparva

Gorakhpur, January 2026 : On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Gorakshpeethadhishwar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered the sacred khichdi to Shiva-avatar Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath at 4 a.m. during the revered Brahma Muhurta, in accordance with the unique traditions of the Nath sect. He prayed for the well-being, prosperity, and happiness of the people of the state.

Following the Chief Minister’s offering, Nath yogis and saints performed rituals and offered khichdi to Baba Gorakhnath. Thereafter, the sanctum sanctorum of the Gorakhnath Temple was opened to the general public. An extraordinary display of devotion unfolded as millions of devotees arrived to participate in the sacred ritual. Upholding a tradition believed to date back to the Treta Yuga, devotees offered khichdi in their hands as a symbol of faith to fill Baba Gorakhnath’s bowl. The khichdi sent by the Nepalese royal family was also reverently offered to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath.

After completing the ritual offerings, devotees visited the grand Khichdi Mela organised within the temple premises, where they enjoyed cultural activities and shopped for essential items.

Early Thursday morning, in keeping with Nath traditions, Gorakshpeethadhishwar Yogi Adityanath sat on the ground inside the sanctum sanctorum, blew the ceremonial whistle, and bowed in reverence to Guru Gorakhnath, seeking his blessings. He then offered khichdi, prepared with rice, lentils, sesame seeds, vegetables, turmeric, and salt, on behalf of the Gorakshpeeth. He also worshipped the other deities installed in the main temple and paid homage at the statues of Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath, Guru Mahant Digvijaynath, Gurudev Mahant Avadyanath, and other revered yogis.

After the Chief Minister’s offering, devotees from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, other states, and neighbouring Nepal lined up to offer khichdi to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath, praying for prosperity, peace, and well-being.

The offering of khichdi continued uninterrupted throughout the day, with the queue of devotees remaining unbroken. By afternoon, all roads leading to the Gorakhnath Temple were filled with streams of devotees. After offering khichdi, devotees worshipped the deities within the temple complex and paid their respects at the samadhis of Mahant Baba Gambhirnath, Mahant Digvijaynath, and Mahant Avadyanath. The temple premises echoed continuously with chants of “Jai Jai Guru Gorakhnath.” Comprehensive arrangements were made by the temple and district administration for the safety and convenience of devotees, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath himself closely monitoring the arrangements.

The Khichdi Mela of the Gorakhnath Temple stands as a symbol of mass devotion and social harmony. People from all walks of life, barefoot and without distinction of caste, creed, or religion, lined up to offer the sacred khichdi. Some brought a handful of grains, while others offered sacks full, yet the spirit of devotion remained the same.

Devotee numbers surged further on Thursday, with queues forming as early as 3 a.m., stretching from the temple complex to nearby roads. Crowd movement was efficiently managed through multiple gates and barricades.

On Makar Sankranti, a grand community feast was organised at the Gorakhnath Temple complex, where devotees were served khichdi prasad with deep reverence. People from all sections of society, irrespective of wealth, caste, or status, partook in the feast together. A separate community feast was also arranged for invited guests, attended by public representatives, administrative and police officials, entrepreneurs, office bearers of various organisations, and other dignitaries.

Explaining the spiritual significance of the tradition, Nath sect scholar Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rao said that Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath shares a profound connection with Nepal and is regarded as its royal guru. On Makar Sankranti, after the Gorakshpeethadhishwar offers khichdi, the khichdi sent by the Nepalese royal family is also ceremonially offered at the temple.

According to legend, the tradition of offering khichdi at the Gorakhnath Temple dates back to the Treta Yuga. It is believed that Adiyogi Guru Gorakhnath once visited the court of Maa Jwala Devi in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Declining the elaborate meal prepared for him, Baba stated that he accepted only alms as a yogi. He asked for water to be heated and went out to beg. Eventually reaching Gorakhpur, he meditated in the forests along the banks of the Rapti and Rohini rivers. Inspired by his divine presence, people offered grains into his begging bowl. Over time, this practice evolved into the Khichdi Mahaparva celebrated every Makar Sankranti. It is believed that even today, the water for cooking Baba Gorakhnath’s khichdi continues to boil eternally in the court of Maa Jwala Devi.