SHILLONG, July 19 � Rani Sati was offered 1.25 lakh Hibiscus flowers, flown from Kolkata to celebrate the silver jubilee of the Rani Sati Temple here in the State capital.
�All the flowers were flown from Kolkata and were offered to the deity on the second day of the celebrations,� Anup Kumar Jajodia, a businessman from Guwahati and spokesperson said.
The Temple was established 25 years ago at AC Lane here. Devotees came from all over the country to take part in the celebrations. �Around 300 families and friends from all over India came for the celebrations, apart from the people from Shillong,� Jajodia informed.
Legends have it that Rani Sati or Narayani Devi committed Sati (immolating herself following her husband�s death) sometimes between 1200-1500 AD and a Temple was built on her ashes.
Several temples of Rani Sati were built throughout India over the years � the biggest and most revered amongst the followers is at Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. The practice of Sati was first banned through the Bengal Sati Regulation Act by then Governor-General of East India Company Lord William Bentinck in 1829.
Following the Roop Kanwar controversy whereby the 19-year-old girl committed Sati in 1997, the Parliament further criminalised the practice and glorification of Sati by enacting the Sati Prevention Act.
Meanwhile, during the first day of the celebrations that began on July 17, a Kalash (pitcher) procession was taken out mostly by womenfolk in the city, followed by Bhajan at Jail Road.
On the second day, the Hibiscus flowers were offered to the Rani Sati deity followed by narration of the story of Rani Sati, known as Mangal Pat at Jail Road. On the final day, the deity was worshipped and prasad was distributed, Jajodia added.
