MAGHA SAPTAMI

Location : Konark, Orissa. Also known as : Chandrabhaga Mela Time of the festivity : Magha Shukla Saptami (January - February)

Magha Saptami festival is celebrated on the seventh day of the new moon of 'Magha'. This is a day specifically set aside for the worship of Sun God at Konark where stands the world famous Sun Temple, otherwise known as Black Pagoda, dedicated to Sun God.

A Festival of Sun City

This is the most popular and colourful festival of the place when lakhs of pilgrims from different parts of India and enthusiastic visitors from abroad visit Konark to observe the festival. In fact, this is the second biggest festival in Orissa, next to the Car Festival of Puri. The pilgrims take holy dips in the 'Chandrabhaga' which meets here and welcome the rising Sun with prayers.

A big fair is held at the Khandagiri caves near for a period of seven days commencing from "Magha Saptami".