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 In the famous pilgrimage site Dakor, located in Kheda district of Gujarat, a unique tradition is observed every year. On the occasion of the New Year, a grand Annakoot offering of over 151 man (more than 3,000 kilograms) of various food items is presented to Lord Ranchhodraiji. This offering is later "looted" (joyfully taken) by the invited villagers as part of the tradition.
This "loot" is not a crime, but a religious tradition that has been observed for over 250 years. For this unique celebration, the temple administration specially invites people from around 80 nearby villages. At the holy site of Dakor, on the second day of Diwali, the centuries-old and unique religious tradition of offering Annakoot to Lord Ranchhodraiji was observed. Usually, this grand festival is celebrated on the New Year’s Day, but this year, according to the Nakshatra (celestial alignment), the grand Annakoot offering was made to the deity on the day after New Year. The highlight of this Annakoot is its unique looting tradition. The temple administration specially invites a select group of people from around 80 villages to participate in this ritual. This time, approximately 151 man (about 3,000+ kilograms) of Mahaprasad was prepared, which included boondi, rice, sweets, fruits, and various other delicacies. The offering was made to Lord Thakurji, and at 2:20 PM, the temple doors were opened. As soon as the doors opened, the invited villagers rushed toward the Annakoot with loud chants of “Jai Ranchhod!”. Within just 10 minutes, the entire Annakoot was joyfully looted. To ensure there is no stampede and no one gets hurt, strict police arrangements are made during the event. This tradition is followed with the belief that consuming this prasada keeps devotees healthy and free from illness throughout the year. Thousands of devotees gather every year to witness this grand event of Ranchhodraiji’s Annakoot loot at Dakor. Naturally, the Annakoot festival is celebrated each year on New Year’s Day, but due to astrological reasons, it was celebrated today, the day after New Year. After the prasada is looted, the villagers share the looted rice and other food items with one another in their villages.