JALGAON

The Old Shri Ram Mandir in Pimprala hosts the Rathotsav every year on Ashadhi Ekadashi, a tradition that has continued uninterrupted for 141 years. The event is organised by the Vitthal Mandir Sansthan and Vani Panch Mandal.

During Rathotsav, the murtis of Bhagwaan Krishna, Arjun, Garud, and Hanuman are worshipped at the Vitthal Mandir. Following the puja, a rath carrying these devtas is taken in a grand procession through the main streets of the city throughout the day. The festival concludes with Gopalkala around 10 pm.

The Rath Yatra begins from the old Gram Panchayat building in Pimprala and moves through Kumbharwada, Bhilwara, Madhi Chowk, Dhangar Galli, Shivaji Chowk, Gandhi Chowk, and Maruti Mandir, before returning to its starting point. The event holds great significance for the people of Jalgaon district, fostering a sense of community and celebration.

The Balaji Brahmotsav in Parola has been celebrated for around 150 years, making it one of the town’s most significant festivals. Dedicated to Balaji Bhagwaan, this grand event draws widespread participation.

During the festival, the mandir is adorned with decorations, and special puja and rituals are conducted. The highlight of the celebration is the rath yatra, where the murti of Balaji Bhagwaan is carried through the streets on a decorated rath. The procession is accompanied by bhajan, kirtan, and dances.

The annual jatra at the Mahalaxmi Mandir in Bhavani Peth, Jalgaon, spans ten days from Ashvina Sud. 1 to Ashvina Sud. 10, with Ashvina Sud. 8 (September-October) and Dasara being the main days of celebration.

During Navratri, bhakts visit the Mandir, believing in the devi's power to grant wishes related to employment, childbirth, and healing. As a bhet (offering), they present sweets, food, green blouse pieces (khan), bangles, and kumkum in gratitude.

The Palkhi Yatra from Muktainagar has a 309-year-old tradition and is held annually on Ashadhi Purnima (July-August). This palkhi embarks on a journey to Pandharpur, passing through Buldhana, Jalna, Beed, and Solapur before reaching its destination.

In earlier times, the Padukas (holy sandals) of Muktabai were carried on a bhakt’s back. Over the years, this practice evolved, with the padukas first transported on a bullock cart and later carried in a Palkhi. Every year, the palkhi also visits Trimbakeshwar, Alandi, and Paithan.

Changdeo, referred to as "Sunder Kshetra Bhinganapur" in the "Tapi Mahatmya" of the "Skand Puran," is renowned as the site where the revered sadhu Markandeya is believed to have performed penance. The annual jatra at Changdeo is held from Magha Vad. 13 to Magha Vad. 30 (January-February). The jatra gains momentum after the Muktabai Jatra in Kothali village concludes. The congregation at Changdeo is larger, attracting thousands of people, primarily from the working and farming communities of Vidarbha, Maharashtra.

The Urs of Hazrat Pir Musa Qadri, also known as Bamoshi Baba, is a 728-year-old festival in Chalisgaon that brings people from all backgrounds together.

A key highlight of the Urus is the sandal procession, where sandalwood is placed on Baba’s dargah, and a chadar is ceremoniously laid over it. The event also features a talwar yatra, honouring Baba’s legacy.

Pir Musa Qadri Baba is remembered for his selfless service to people. His dargah, located on the banks of the Dongri River, remains a place of reverence. Before his passing, Baba entrusted his sword to Bhalchandra Deshmukh, and this sword continues to be carried in the procession.