Aug 25, 2025: Bhaderwah, Aug 25, 2025: In the presence of thousands of devotees of Lord Vasuki Nag at the ancient Vasuki Nag Temple in the Gatha area, "Zagru," a midnight-to-dawn ritual of ancient Nag culture in which Chaillas (priests) enter a huge bonfire barefooted, was performed here despite heavy rain.

Devotees began arriving at Vasuki Nag temple at midnight with Mashals, a wooden torch in order to participate in the age-old ritual known as "Zagru" despite heavy rain. These Mashals were put in the form of a camp fire that soon turned into a huge heap of glowing coals around which the priests locally performed Nag rituals till dawn.

Just before the sunrise, the priest entered the burning coals bare footed which in local language is called ‘Zagru Bhannu’ (breaking of bone fire), after which devotees seek blessings from the priests.

A local legend holds that, during the process, ecstatic priests make predictions for the year that typically come true. Every year on the second day following the completion of the Kailash Yatra, the Zagru ritual has been performed since ancient times.