22/09/2026
Every year for a narrow window of less than an hour a wondrous ritual unfolds at Chand Baori( Abhaneri) during the auspicious day of Jaljhulni Ekadashi/ Dol Gyaras/Vamana Ekadashi/ Parivartani Ekadashi.
Jaljhulni Ekadashi marks halfway of Chaturmasa(Chaumasa ) the 4 holy months of Lord Vishnu's celestial sleep, a belief that's tied closely to his Vamana avatar's overwhelming of King Bali( King Bali of yore ; nowhere related to me). Parivartini refers to Lord Vishnu's karvat(turning in sleep) from left to right side.
People take a holy dip on this day in stepwells and water- bodies. And idols of Lord Krishna/ Thakurji are brought to water- bodies in palanquins(dols) for a ritual bath followed by a procession.
I stood precariously on the slippery narrow steps of this superstructure through that hour, mesmerized by the beauty of this gesture to the Almighty.
It is one of those spectacles that brings the tangible and intangible aspects of our rich heritage in embrace -dip after dip !
Thanks to Sanjay ji Chhokar who made this possible.We not only got the access with the cameras, but were also provided the much needed rest at Aagman's luxury tents for the evening before we drove off in the rainy night to Sirohi for the next day's mela of Raika pastoralists.
All images created through Fujifilm cameras. The panoramic shot is through XF 8mm F/3.5 and got published in this year's Fuji calendar. Thanks also to Shaurya , Arunanjan and Pradeepji for the wonderful company.
