Ashwa Poojan:  ‘Worship of the Horse’

Navratri (nine sacred days and nights) is one of the most auspicious times in the Hindu calendar. The festival of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, the consort of Shiva in Hindu mythology. The ninth day of Navratri is called Ram-Navami, the last day of the nine-day festival. On Ram-Navmi, Rajputs acknowledge the interdependence of various factors in their lives. It is not just in India but the world over that many a household has survived because of the unflinching and faithful services rendered by horse to man. It is therefore in the fitness of things that one day in the year be dedicated in recognition of the horse’s contribution to the survival of the Rajput community. Commemorating the bond, the interdependence and the partnership of the horse and the Rajput  community for centuries, Ashwa Poojan is really the grand finale of the Navratri festivities, invoking both, the power of Durga and Ashwa.

Ashwa Poojan 2007

The highlight of the regal Ashwa Poojan festival is indeed the regal procession, where Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the 76th Custodian of the House of Mewar will arrive in a 1905 vintage 'English Royal Landau Six–in-Hand', purchased from Dykes and Co., Calcutta in the reign of Maharana Fateh Singhji (1884-1930).

During the Ashwa Poojan ceremony, the Palace Band is positioned in front of the stage where five royal horses - Raj Tilak, Raj Roop, Ganesh, Raj Swaroop, and Tarangini are traditionally worshipped by the Custodian of the House of Mewar. These horses belong to the internationally recognized breed known as 'Marwari', fully bred and nurtured at The Imperial Stud Farms, Shikarbadi.
In 2007, we will witness the 76th Custodian of the House of Mewar, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, as he conducts the prayer-ceremony and observes rites and rituals under the guidance of the priests of the ancient Shri Eklingji Temple. The Royal Insignia of the State of Mewar are only used when the Custodian himself is present.

In the Ashwa Poojan festival procession the following insignia will be included:
Two Chadiwals with the long gold staff, two Gota-walas with the short gold batons symbolizing the authority of the State. Two men carry the Fly-Whisk and are positioned at the back of the horse drawn carriage, 1905 vintage "Royal Landau Six-in-Hand". On the stage, where the 76th Custodian of the House of Mewar will be seated to conduct the Ashwa Poojan ceremony, there will be two men wearing Chapdas i.e. Coat of Arms of the House of Mewar on their sashes, two carrying peacock feathers or Mor Chal, one each carrying Adani, Chaagir, and Meghadumber. Two men will carry Karaniya with the Sun emblem while one will carry the Chattra or the large umbrella.

The sacred ceremony will be followed by the Nazraana,  a traditional ceremony involving the noblemen of Udaipur and guests,  who will meet the 76th Custodian. The evening's celebrations will continue at the Ganesh Chowk where sumptuous refreshments organized by the HRH Group of Hotels await the guests.

As part of the living heritage of Eternal Mewar, the celebration of Ashwa Poojan is testimony to the traditional reverential acknowledgement of the empathy between a Rajput and his horse, continued since the ancient time, and practised to this day. The House of Mewar salutes this legendary association and by perpetuating the tradition of worshipping the horse, attempts to preserve the intangible cultural heritage of Eternal Mewar.