Before sunrise during certain festivals, communities organise a Prabhat Pheri, a devotional procession moving through neighbourhood streets while singing bhajans. Pilgrims staying in a temple town during such occasions may wake to the sound of this early morning gathering passing nearby.
What Is a Prabhat Pheri?
A Prabhat Pheri is an early morning devotional procession, typically involving a small group of devotees walking through neighbourhood streets while singing bhajans, often organised to mark the start of a significant festival period. Priests performing Prabhat Pheri are generally willing to briefly explain the ritual to curious pilgrims, particularly at quieter, less crowded temples.
When Prabhat Pheri Is Organised
This practice is commonly associated with festivals such as Navratri or specific temple anniversaries, with local communities organising a Prabhat Pheri to build devotional momentum in the days leading up to the main celebration. Many pilgrims specifically arrange Prabhat Pheri during their Yatra to mark a personal intention, vow, or family occasion.
Prabhat Pheri During a Yatra
Pilgrims staying in a temple town during a festival period may encounter a Prabhat Pheri passing through the streets at dawn, and are generally welcome to join the procession if visiting during this particular time. The exact steps involved in Prabhat Pheri can vary somewhat between temples, though the underlying devotional purpose remains broadly consistent across India.
