Also called the Car Festival of Lord Lingaraj, Asokastami is celebrated in the month of March or April. During the festivities, the idol of Lord Lingaraj is brought out of the temple, placed on a chariot and taken to the Rameswar Temple. The parade is joined by thousands of devotees who dance and sing. After four days, Lord Lingaraj is brought back to the Lingaraj Temple. Apart from general merriment, there are tasty sweetmeats and delicacies on offer along the route.

The name of this festival is rooted in mythology. It is believed that when Lord Rama killed demon Ravana, he became 'asoka' i.e. one without sadness. Out of excitement, he brought out a chariot carrying Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is said that it was the 8th day of the Hindu month of Chaitra - a day called Shukla Astami. Thus, this day is termed as Asokastami.

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