Talk:Sabarotsava

Śabarotsava (‘festival of the śabaras [aboriginals]’) Śabarotsava is a part of the Durgā- pujā celebrations. On the Vijayadaśamī or the tenth day (of Āśvayuja-śukla-pakṣa, bright half of Āśvayuja month, generally in October) the clay-image of Mother Durgā has to be ceremonially immersed in the waters of a river or a lake. After the immersion, when the crowd of devotees is returning, it is expected to behave like the śabaras or aboriginal tribes. Some of the items of such uncivilised behaviour are: making merry to one’s heart’s content by throwing mud and dust, abusing one another using offensive words, singing erotic songs and so on. All, irrespective of their status in the society, were expected to join in this revelry, probably emphasizing the equality before the Mother of the universe. See also DURGĀPUJĀ.