Like bygone years, historic Deodhani festival had been celebrated at Kamakhya temple from August 17 to August 19. One of the 'Shaktipeeth', Kamakhya temple hosts this festival every year.
After Ambubachi mela, this festival also known as Devadhani is celebrated in the premises of Kamakhya temple, which forms the core of rituals related to worship of Goddess Manasha.
According to local residents, this annual ritual dates centuries back and is held for three days during the end of Assamese month of Shaon and at the beginning of Bhada month every year where Deodhas (temple dancers) dance like men possessed by a spirit.
Devotees numbering to several thousands flood temple premises from different parts of the state and the country to attend the festival.
These Deodhas are a class by themselves, drawn from the laity. They are neither included among the Kamakhya temple priesthood, nor do they enjoy any special privileges.
It is locally believed that they are visited by the gods or goddesses and live a life of piety and purity for a month.
It may be noted that, as soon as he hears the sounds of drums and Kali (a kind of pipe) he rushes out of his place to dance his divine dance. It is also firmly believed that Deodhas during their possessed state acquire the capacity of predicting the future.
Devotees gather for the occasion and offer pigeons, goats, clothes etc., to get their future read by Deodhas.
The possessed Deodhas even dance over upturned choppers, drink the blood of pigeons or goats and consume whatever is offered by devotees.
During their dance they hold swords, sticks or shields in their hands. They dance all through the night during these three days of festival.
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