📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Dhanush n m
Religion
Devotees Offer Liquor at Groom Deity’s Court After Sharda Darshan During Navratri
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 13 Oct 2026, 04:16 PM
👁 16
During Navratri, pilgrims in Madhya Pradesh first visit Mother Sharda and then proceed to the court of the groom deity, where they perform the distinctive ritual of offering alcohol.
Navratri celebrations across Madhya Pradesh this year have featured a striking ritual that draws attention from observers. After completing their darshan of Mother Sharda, devotees move to the adjacent shrine dedicated to the groom deity, commonly referred to as Dulha Dev.
At the groom deity’s court, worshippers present small quantities of liquor as an offering, a practice described as unusual compared to typical Navratri customs. The act of pouring alcohol is performed with reverence, and participants believe it pleases the deity and ensures blessings for the coming year.
Local religious authorities note that the tradition has been part of the regional observance for several generations, though it remains relatively unknown outside the area. The ritual underscores the diverse ways in which Navratri is celebrated across India, reflecting local beliefs and cultural nuances.
At the groom deity’s court, worshippers present small quantities of liquor as an offering, a practice described as unusual compared to typical Navratri customs. The act of pouring alcohol is performed with reverence, and participants believe it pleases the deity and ensures blessings for the coming year.
Local religious authorities note that the tradition has been part of the regional observance for several generations, though it remains relatively unknown outside the area. The ritual underscores the diverse ways in which Navratri is celebrated across India, reflecting local beliefs and cultural nuances.