The Sacrificial Goat

Based in the eastern most regions of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Nepal is the city of Gorakhpur. Being the administrative headquarters of both the District and Division of Gorakhpur, the city plays a multi faceted role of also being a major religious center housing various ancient temples and sites. Numerous historic Buddhist sites; the 18th century ‘dargah’ known as Imambara; and the Gita Press, a publisher of Hindu religious texts are all situated in or around the city. Named after the ascetically altruistic saint Guru Gorakshnath, the history of the city has traditionally been abundantly opulent in the two principal religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Legions of pilgrims arrive in thousands to the Gorakhnath Temple each year. The city is located at a distance of approximately 770 kilometers from Delhi. Tourists visiting Delhi, can book cabs in Delhi to travel to Gorakhpur. The drive from Delhi would prove to be quite awesome, as one can see the landscapes rapidly change in sharp contrasts yet provide scenic views. Moreover, the roads are excellent for a road trip too.

The most prominent time for the city of Gorakhpur is the period during which the Tarkulaha Mela, which is held at the premises of Tarkulaha Devi Temple in the city. Celebrated annually
with imperforated ardor and earnest gaiety the ‘Mela’ is scheduled to be held during the time of ‘Chaitra Ram Navmi’, which falls in the month of April. Imbued to the mother goddess Tarkulaha Devi, the temple is based in close proximity of Gorakhpur. Online cab booking services are easily available for travelling from Gorakhpur to the Tarkulaha Temple.

A combination of performances of traditional dramas called as ‘Nautanki’ in the regional language, the snake women or ‘Nag Kanya’ show and performances by a circus troupe, form an integral part of the festival. To panegyrize the presiding goddess a goat is sacrificed during the festival. After the sacrificing ceremony, the goat is cooked and prepared in earthen vessels to be served as ‘prasad’ to the devotees. Mondays and Fridays, are considered to be the most
auspicious days to visit the temple during the ‘mela’.

Tourists visiting the place during the Tarkulaha Mela will find that the city is very well connected and easily accessible by road. The Tarkulaha Devi temple is at a distance of approximately 23 kilometers from Gorakhpur, via the Gorakhpur-Deoria State Highway-1. People visiting Gorakhpur during the festival, can also shop and stock up on the traditional mixture of Indian spices called as ‘garam masala’, which the area is renowned for. Car rental hires ensure that the traveler has a smooth and comfortable journey at economical rates.