Bharat Milap is a Hindu festival celebrated in the city of Varanasi, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The festival marks the reunion of Lord Rama with his younger brother Bharat, as described in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
According to the legend, Lord Rama was exiled from his kingdom for 14 years, during which time his younger brother Bharat ruled the kingdom as a regent. Upon Lord Rama's return, Bharat relinquished the throne and presented Lord Rama with his sandals, symbolizing his desire to serve as a loyal brother rather than a king.
To commemorate this reunion, the people of Varanasi celebrate Bharat Milap with great fervor and enthusiasm. The festival typically takes place in the month of October or November, coinciding with the Hindu festival of Diwali. During the festival, people dress up as Lord Rama, Bharat, and other characters from the Ramayana and enact scenes from the epic.
One of the highlights of the festival is the grand procession that takes place through the streets of Varanasi, with beautifully decorated floats and musical bands. The procession culminates at the Bharat Milap temple, where devotees offer prayers and perform aarti (a Hindu ritual of offering light to deities).
Overall, Bharat Milap is a joyous festival that celebrates the bond of brotherhood and the victory of good over evil, as exemplified by the characters in the Ramayana.
