Artistes give finishing touches to the replica of Dahkasur in Deoghar. Picture by Arun Keshri

Dumka, March 9: Deoghar is set to host Mahashivratri celebrations tomorrow with nearly 4 lakh pilgrims and tourists from across the country and abroad expected to turn up in the temple town that promises a colourful Shiv Baraat depicting the deity’s marriage.

The Baidyanath Dham temple management committee is busy with last-minute preparations, while local artiste Markandeya Jajwade has given finishing touches to an imaginary phantom Dahkasur which will be the main attraction of the baraat, besides dozens of other giant puppets to liven up the mythological march.

“The Dahkasur will be 14ft by 10ft, while special electrical effects will give an impression of flashes of fire from its mouth and ears and smoke from its nose. It will also have flaming red eyes,” said Jajwade, who is associated with the festival since 1994.

Referring to the mythological belief that besides deities, even devils made up the baraatis of lord Shiva, Jajwade said a few puppet ghosts would even beat drums along the 1.5km procession starting from KK Stadium to Baidyanath Dham.

“Kuber, the mythological custodian of wealth, will also be illustrated in the baraat. His cart will be loaded with containers filled with diamonds and other gemstones,” Jajwade said, adding that it takes over two months to finish his craft.

Lastly, two elephants, 18 horses and 10 camels will also join the procession.

The district administration has also made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth movement of the procession of Lord Baidyanath.

Two chartered planes have been arranged to shower flowers on the Baidyanath Dham premises in the evening.

Deputy commissioner Rahul Purwar, during a meeting with administrative and police officials yesterday, directed them to be extra vigilant and prevent any untoward incident along the procession route.

“We have been taking precautionary measures to provide security for pilgrims by deploying over 1,000 personnel along the procession in and around the temple premises,” said Deoghar superintendent of police Subodh Prasad.

He added that between 400 and 500 foreigners who are associated with the Rikhiya Ashram are also expected to witness the procession.

Apart from lakhs of pilgrims who arrive to perform puja on the auspicious occasion of Shivratri at Baidyanath Dham, numerous local residents as well as those from rural pockets of adjoining districts throng the temple town to witness the Shiv Baraat.