The Car festival of Lord Lingaraj at Bhubaneswar,Asokastami is held in the bright half of 'Chaitra'.The protege of Lord Lingaraj is taken in the chariot from the main temple to Rameswar Temple and return in a four-day stay.Following the rituals of this festival first ‘Pahandi’ (the deity adjoining the chariot) was observed. Then the journey to the Mausi Maa Mandir begin after the arrival of devotees.
After reaching Mausi Maa, the deity stayed there for four days.The return journey was celebrated with much ardor and devotion. This festival of Lord Lingaraj is also celebrated at Sakhigopal of Puri with much enthusiasm.
