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India’s first world heritage city, Ahmedabad, has around 184 pols or old hosing colonies crammed in and around the old walled city. Most prominent of these Pols, especially during Navratri, is Sadu Mata ni Pol in Shahpur area of the old city.
On the eighth day of Navratri, the men living in this colony dress as women and do the Garba to atone for a 200-year-old curse. Locals also believe that the unique tradition is followed by those men who have prayed to the devi and dance the garba in a woman’s garb on fruition of their wishes.
On Ashthami, huge crowds from across the city are drawn to this pol, which is home to over 1,000 residents, and pay their homage to the local deity Sadu Mata.
According to Sureshbhai Barod, a resident of Sadu Mata ni Pol, the nobleman came to this colony where Saduben resided and demanded entrance.
“This colony is dominated by the Barod community. On that particular day, the men in Saduben’s family were out for business. When the Mughal nobleman demanded that the door be opened, Saduben refused. This enraged him and he brought is militia to breach the colony,” he said.
Unfortunately for Saduben, the men from the Barod community chose to remain in the safety of their homes instead of fighting for her honour. In no time the invading forces cut their way through and reach Saduben’s home.
However, many men keep the tradition not only to atone for the curse but also to thank the devi for fulfilling their wishes. Chandrakant Nayak’s wife helped him wear her saree while he spoke to The Quint about the blessings he received from Mata.
“I have been wearing a saree for the last five years, I had wished for fortune in business and even for a son, and mata has been kind to me. This is a 200-year-old tradition and residents from all castes follow this tradition on the night of Ashtami. At least 12-15 households participate each year.”
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