Maharashtra: Kirnotsav at Mahalaxmi temple from Saturday

KOLHAPUR: Kirnotsav — the festival of rays — commences from November 9 at the Mahalaxmi temple. During this period, one can witness sun rays directly falling on the idol of the goddess during sunset.
The event takes place twice a year sometime between November 9 and November 12 and between January 31 and February 3.
According to the Pashicm Maharashtra Devsthan Samiti (PMDS) officials, LED screens will be installed in the temple premises for the convenience of the devotees.The screens will stay until the festival lasts.
Experts said that the event is a sight to behold. However, they are a bit concerned about the auspicious event fearing that overcast conditions or pollution may create an obstacle.
“The pollutants released in the air due to burning of firecrackers may create an obstacle in the sun rays falling on the deity. We hope that the cloudy weather does not affect the Kirnotsav,” said an expert.
According to Milind Karanjkar, associate professor of astrophysics at the city-based Vivekanand College who has undertaken a study of the intensity of sun rays and possible hurdles, said that various pollutants in the atmosphere can cause rays to bend down a little.
Hundreds of devotees throng the temple to get a glimpse of its architectural marvel where the sun rays steadily reach the sanctorum of the temple on particular days of the year.