SATARA

Satara reflects Maharashtra’s vibrant cultural spirit through a range of fairs and festivals celebrated across the district. These occasions often bring together religious devotion, seasonal cycles, and community participation, shaping the district’s cultural identity. Prominent festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Holi, Gudi Padwa, Ashadi Ekadashi, Akshay Tritiya, Navratri, Dussehra, Mahashivratri, Shivaji Jayanti, Makar Sankranti, Nag Panchami, and Vat Purnima are widely observed. It is estimated that around 280 small yatras were held across the district in 1961, with the highest numbers reported from Satara, Koregaon, Karad, and Phaltan talukas. The district is especially known for the Bagad Yatra, Khandoba Yatra, Krishnabai Utsav, Mapro Strawberry Festival, Shri Ram Yatra, and Sitamai Yatra, among others, which highlight its local traditions and historical connections. Together, these celebrations offer insight into the district’s social fabric and collective rhythms of life.

The Aundh Sangeet Mahotsav is an annual music festival held in the village of Aundh in Satara district; it is considered to be one of India’s most “unselfconsciously inclusive classical music festivals”. Celebrated just before Diwali, it marks the birth anniversary of Swami Shivanand, spiritual guru of the festival’s founder, Anant Manohar Joshi, a respected Gwalior gharana vocalist and court musician of Aundh. Established in 1940, the Mahotsav is often regarded as one of India’s most naturally inclusive classical music gatherings, drawing performers and listeners from diverse backgrounds. 

For decades, the festival was nurtured by violinist and Hindustani musician Gajananbuwa Joshi, who set up a trust in 1981 to ensure its continuity. His family and local supporters, including the royal family of Aundh, have upheld the tradition. As of 2024, the Mahotsav has been held for 84 years. It is known for its historical venue, diverse audience, and performances that uphold the musical values of its founders. The festival attracts musicians, students, and audiences from all backgrounds.

Bavdhan Bagad Yatra is an important annual festival celebrated in Bavdhan village of Wai taluka, Satara district. The yatra is dedicated to Bhairavnath and is held on Phalgun Krishna Paksha Panchami (March), coinciding with Rangpanchami. The festival is famous for its striking and intense Bagad ritual, where a bhakt, known as the Bagadswar, fulfills a vow by being suspended from a tall pole using an iron hook pierced through the skin of his back. This bhakt undergoes a strict five-day fast before the ritual, staying in the Bhairavnath Mandir and consuming only neem leaves without a drop of water.

The highlight of the procession is the Bagad—a massive, elaborately decorated wooden palkhi weighing around 2 to 3 tons, with large stone wheels, wooden carvings, and adorned with motifs of tigers (Wagh). Only Khillar bullocks, known for their strength, are used to pull the Bagad through the village streets during the procession.

The origins of the festival are traced back over 800 years, with local traditions holding that a Bhairavnath Pind miraculously appeared at the site of the present Mandir. The Bhairavnath Mandir, constructed with rock carvings and surrounded by bricks, is about 200 years old. Starting from Holi Purnima with halad (turmeric) rituals, the celebrations continue till Rangpanchami, drawing enormous crowds of over 400,000 people, accompanied by dhol-tasha performances, singing, dancing, and concluding with an arati of Bhairavnath and the Bagad.

Considered to be one of the longest yatras in Maharashtra, the Bavdhan Bagad Yatra blends elements of religious devotion, physical endurance, agrarian tradition, and local history.

The Chaitra Yatra is the main annual festival held at Shikhar Shingnapur, a revered pilgrimage site in Satara district. The yatra takes place from Gudi Padwa (Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada)—which usually falls in March or April—to the next Purnima (full moon), drawing thousands of people from across Maharashtra and other states.

This vibrant celebration is centred around the ancient Shri Shambhu Mahadev Mandir in Shikhar Shingnapur. The Mandir, dedicated to Shambhu, a form of Bhagwan Shiv, holds immense religious and cultural significance and is privately owned by the Chhatrapati Raje Bhosale family of Satara. Although Mahashivratri is celebrated here on a large scale, the Chaitra Yatra remains the most significant event of the year.

The festivities begin with the ceremonial raising of a Gudi on the first day (Gudi Padwa), marking an auspicious start to the yatra. On Panchami, bhakts apply turmeric to Bhagwan Shambhu and Devi Parvati. This is followed by a symbolic midnight wedding of Shiv and Parvati on Ashtami, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere. On Dwadashi, water is brought in buckets to the Mandir as offerings, and symbolic sticks are carried to Tirupati Balaji and canes to Amarnath, symbolically connecting this regional celebration with major yatri sites across India.

A highlight of the festival is the Palkhi ceremony, in which water brought from pilgrimage sites across India is used to anoint the Bhagwan and Devi, adding layers of symbolic meaning and devotional intensity. As the Chaitra Yatra draws to a close, the Kawad Yatra becomes one of its most defining rituals. Yatris carrying Kawads—bamboo poles balanced on the shoulder with sacred water tied at both ends—arrive at Mungi Ghat in Shikhar Shingnapur. Chanting “Har Har Mahadev,” they offer this water to Bhagwan Shambhu in a striking expression of both physical endurance and spiritual devotion.

Throughout these twelve days, the area surrounding the Mandir comes alive with folk plays, mobile cinemas, shops, and eateries, creating a bustling and festive atmosphere. The fair also brings significant economic activity to the region through trade, Gram Panchayat revenue, and government support.

The Chavaneshwar Yatra is an annual fair held on the fourth weekend of Ashwin (September–October) at Chavaneshwar, located on the border of Koregaon and Wai talukas in Satara district. The fair is marked by the arrival of Sasankathas (bhakts carrying ceremonial staffs) from surrounding villages like Gulumb, Varakhwadi, Vaniniwadi, Karanjkhop, Randullabad, Sonke, Morbend, and Hivre. The gathering of these Sasankathas is the main highlight of the yatra.

Chavaneshwar is known for its beautiful hill Mandir and is also historically significant for its association with Shivaji Maharaj’s Mavlas and later with India’s freedom movement.

The yatra draws thousands of people every year, not just for its religious significance but also for its scenic beauty. There are no animal sacrifices or entertainment programs here—bhakts visit solely for darshan and blessings. Business during the fair generates significant local income, supporting vendors and artisans from the region.

The Dhuldev Yatra is held annually in the month of Chaitra (March–April) at Dhuldevwadi, located about half a km east of Phaltan. A large number of people gather for the fair, which centers around Dhuldev, who is believed to fulfill wishes of his bhakts.

The festival features the traditional Gaji dance of the Dhangar community, along with Dhangari Ovya, Bhedik, and Bhakanuka performances. Puran Poli is offered to Dhuldev, while goat sacrifices are made to the Asuras.

Dhangars from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh also participate. Dhuldev, or Dhuloba, is considered the kuldev of the Vaghmode family and is worshipped as an ancestral Devta in the Dhangar community.

In Satara, Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm through the traditional Shahi Simollanghan ceremony, a royal ritual centered around the Bhavani sword, believed to have been used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The festival begins at Jalmandir Rajwada, the residence of Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, and concludes at Powai Naka.

The celebration starts with the worship of the Bhavani sword in the Bhavani Mata Mandir at Jalmandir. After the aarti, the sword is placed in a wooden palkhi beautifully adorned with flowers and carried in a royal procession through the city. Sanai-Choughda musicians lead the way, followed by royal courtiers, girls in nauwari sarees, and youth wearing fetas. The lively atmosphere is further amplified by firecrackers as the procession reaches Powai Naka.

The District Police offer a ceremonial salute to the sword, while martial arts demonstrations, powada (traditional form of ballad or musical narration) performances on Shivaji’s valor, and participants dressed in historic attire add to the grandeur. The event is led by members of the royal Bhosale family, with participation from officials, police, and citizens.

After worship at Shivtirth, the sword returns to Jalmandir, where the traditional “Sone Loot” (symbolic gold gathering) ritual is performed with the royal family and devotees.

The Shahi Simollanghan remains one of Satara’s most significant traditions, drawing large crowds every year to witness this ceremony honoring the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The Punyatithi (death anniversary) of Shri Brahmachaitanya Gondawalekar Maharaj is celebrated in Gondavale Budruk every year from Margashirsha Vadya Pratipada to Dasami. The celebration begins with the trustees offering the first worship to Shri Ram at the Mandir.

For ten days, lakhs of devotees from Maharashtra and beyond gather in Gondavale. Many stay throughout the festival, chanting Ram Naam, performing seva, and seeking spiritual blessings through the Samadhi Sannidhya of Gondawalekar Maharaj. Every day, the Mandir is filled with bhajans, kirtans, discourses, and classical singing.

The festival concludes early in the morning with a grand offering of flowers and gulal at Maharaj’s Samadhi, accompanied by devotional singing of Raghupati Raghav Rajaram. Despite the morning chill, the chanting of Hari Naam and the rhythmic beat of drums fill the air.

The entire Mandir complex is beautifully decorated with lights, with special arrangements made for bhakts, including large screens for viewing the ceremonies. The Samadhi Mandir is opened late at night, and rituals, Sanai music, and Bhupali Kakad Aarti take place then.

As the chanting rises to its peak early in the morning, participants shower the Samadhi with flowers, creating a powerful moment of collective devotion. The Gondavale Punyatithi remains a profound spiritual event, bringing together faith, music, service, and the enduring teachings of Brahmachaitanya Gondawalekar Maharaj.

The Nandadeep Utsav is celebrated annually in the Mahadev Mandir at Marul Haveli in Patan taluka, Satara district. Held during Shravan Maas (July–August), the festival involves the lighting of an akhand nandadeep—an unbroken flame—that burns continuously for an entire month. Thousands of oil lamps (diyas) are kept alight day and night throughout the period. People visit the Mandir to offer prayers, participate in the rituals, and experience the serene atmosphere created by the countless flickering flames.

The Khandoba Yatra at Pal is held every year on Paush Shuddha Trayodashi (December–January) to celebrate the symbolic marriage of Bhagwan Khandoba, the kuldev of several Maharashtrian families. The yatra takes place at the Khandoba Mandir, located on the left bank of the Tarli River, believed to have been built 500 to 550 years ago.

The fair draws around 5 to 6 lakh people, with about 4,000 shops, folk plays, and mobile cinemas adding to the festive atmosphere. On Mrig Nakshatra, the marriage ceremony of Khandoba and Mhalsa Devi is held with great enthusiasm. Before the ceremony, Khandoba and Mhalsa are brought out from their respective mandirs in Pali village in a palkhi carried by twelve Balutedars. This palkhi is taken around the village before the marriage ceremony, which is performed at Goraj Muhurta with rituals including Bhandara, Akshata, and coconut offerings while chanting Vedic mantras. The entire village is covered in the yellow of Bhandara, creating a striking scene.

The Krishnabai Utsav, also known as Krishnabai Yatra, is an important annual festival celebrated in Wai, Satara district. Dedicated to Devi Krishnabai, the festival has deep historical significance and is closely linked with the events of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s time. According to local tradition, Shendye Shastri of Wai invoked Krishnabai (Krishna River personified) for Shivaji’s victory over Afzal Khan. The festival is therefore seen as both a devotional and cultural tribute to Maratha valor.

The celebrations include a grand Rath Yatra (chariot procession), in which the murti of Krishnabai is paraded through the town. Wai’s ghats come alive with rituals, music, and community gatherings. Originally starting at Randoh Aali, the worship gradually expanded to all seven ghats of Wai—Bhimkund Galli, Madhali Galli, Dharmapuri, Ganapati Galli, Ramdoh Aali, Brahmashahi, and Gangapuri Galli.

Observed annually on Magh Shukla Pratipada (January–February), Krishnabai Utsav has become a blend of religious devotion and local cultural identity, reflecting Wai’s deep-rooted heritage and traditions.

The Ghoda Yatra at Phaltan is a major annual fair of the Mahanubhav Panth, celebrated every year on Chaitra Vadya Pratipada (March–April), and lasting for five days. Recognized as a key religious event of Dakshin Kashi, the festival attracts people from across India, especially from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.

The festivities begin with daily programs such as sermons, kirtans, and parayans in the mandirs. Every evening, a ritual procession called Chhabina—involving dancing in a circular formation around the Mandir—departs from Shri Krishna Mandir in the evening and reaches Shri Abasaheb Mandir in the night, where it concludes with an aarti.

The main day of the yatra features a grand procession that begins in the afternoon from Abasaheb Mandir in Marwad Peth. Palkhis, horses, and carriages participate in this vibrant parade, which travels through the city before returning to the Mandir in the late evening. The palkhi is ceremonially worshipped by dignitaries, including members of the Naik Nimbalkar family, trustees of Shri Krishna Devasthan Trust, and local officials.

Held at Shri Tirth Kshetra Phaltan, the event has been an important celebration of the Mahanubhav Panth since ancient times. After a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the yatra resumed with renewed enthusiasm, with arrangements made to accommodate the expected large gathering of yatris.

The Malwadi Khandoba Yatra, also known as Sat Yatra, is an important annual celebration held in Malwadi village of Man taluka, Satara district. Situated along the Manganga River, about 12 km from Dahiwadi, Malwadi was historically a Dhangar settlement and was once known as Mallewadi.

The festival centers around the marriage ceremony of Khandoba and Mhalsa, which is performed on Margashirsha Shuddha Panchami (November–December). Around 36 kulachar rituals are observed during this time, forming the traditional core of the event.

The main day of the festival is Margashirsha Ekadashi, marked by vibrant celebrations. In the afternoon, the Rath Utsav and Palkhi procession circle the Khandoba Mandir, accompanied by ritual sticks (Manachi Kathi) brought from neighboring villages as a sign of honor and participation.

As midnight approaches, the Palkhi Sohla begins—an overnight procession that moves through the entire village, eventually returning to the Mandir at around 6:20 in the morning. The festival concludes with the symbolic breaking of the anchor (Langar) by Khandoba’s traditional tiger idol, bringing the yatra to an end.

The Mandhardevi Kalubai Yatra is an important annual festival celebrated on Paush Purnima (January–February), also known as Shakambhari Purnima or Chudi Purnima. This grand yatra is held at the ancient Mandir of Shri Kaleshwari, also called Kalubai, situated atop a mountain about 18 km from Wai in Satara district. Shri Kaleshwari Devi, revered as an incarnation of Devi Shakti and a form of Parvati, is one of the most popular deities in this region of Maharashtra.

The festivities begin on Paush Shuddha 13 and continue until Paush Vadya Amavasya, with the main celebration taking place on Paush Purnima. On the night before Purnima, a jagran is held in the village, featuring a procession where Kalubai Devi’s silver palkhi is carried through Mandhardevi and ceremonially brought to the Mandir.

On Paush Purnima, over two lakh people gather at the Mandir to seek blessings and offer green sarees to the Devi, a traditional offering associated with the festival. Yatris travel from across Maharashtra as well as from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh to participate.

The surrounding area transforms into a bustling fairground with swings, giant wheels, folk dramas, singing troupes, and dance performances. Traders set up stalls selling everything from utensils, sarees, bangles, and sweetmeats to daily household goods, adding to the festive atmosphere. This annual gathering has both deep religious significance and an important role in the local economy and cultural life of the region.

The Mahabaleshwar Strawberry Festival is held around March and April in Mahabaleshwar, highlighting the region’s reputation as one of India’s major strawberry-growing regions. This festival celebrates the seasonal strawberry harvest with food stalls, interactive workshops, and family-friendly events. Visitors have the unique opportunity to pick their own strawberries from the farms and enjoy various innovative strawberry-based dishes.

Beyond food, the festival features a variety of entertainment activities such as folk dance performances, live orchestras, mehndi and watercolour tattoo stalls, and more. Visitors can also go on strawberry-picking walks around Mapro Gardens, adding to the immersive experience. Every year, thousands of visitors gather to celebrate this vibrant festival. The Mahabaleshwar Strawberry Festival brings together farmers, artisans, and visitors to honour the local produce and support the regional economy, offering a refreshing blend of taste, culture, and community.

The Nagnath Yatra at Nagnathwadi in Khatav taluka is a major religious event held throughout the month of Shravan (July–August). It is centred around the ancient Swayambhu Shivling at Shri Nagnath Maharaj Mandir, a revered site in Satara district. This Shivling is located 32 ft. deep in water, with a continuous spring flowing from it, reminiscent of the unbroken Ganga said to flow from Bhagwan Shiv’s abode.

The pilgrimage begins on the first Monday of Shravan, with special rituals performed each day as the water is drained to reveal the Shivling for darshan. Thousands of people visit during the yatra, drawn by the Mandir’s deep spiritual significance and its reputation as a jagrut (awakened) Shiv tirtha of Maharashtra.

The Naikba Yatra at Banpuri in Patan taluka is a significant local festival celebrated from Chaitra Pratipada (Gudi Padwa) to Chaitra Shuddha Panchami or Shashti (March–April). The festival begins with the arrival of sasankathis from the Shinde and Rainak families of Karad, along with processions from Bhoi families of Kalgaon and Kole.

Around 40 to 50 sasankathi groups and palanquins from Kolhapur, Sangli, and Kurundwad divisions participate in the early morning procession. Amid chants of “Naikba Naam Changbhal,” the palanquins and the image of Shri Naikba are carried in a ceremonial parade attended by thousands of devotees from Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Naikba Yatra stands as a vibrant expression of community devotion, regional tradition, and shared cultural heritage.

The Pandharpur Wari, Maharashtra’s most revered yatra to Pandharpur in honor of Vithoba, passes through several parts of Satara district, especially towns like Phaltan. This annual yatra, believed to be over 700 years old, is centered on the palkhis (palanquin processions) of Sant Dnyaneshwar from Alandi and Sant Tukaram from Dehu in Pune. Covering around 250 km over 21 days, the Wari culminates at the Vithoba Mandir in Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi (June-July).

As the palkhis make their way to Pandharpur, they pass through important routes in northern Satara, including Phaltan. Communities across Satara actively participate in the yatra by organizing food (maha prasad) and refreshments for the yatris. Earlier, entire villages would host the Warkaris overnight, providing both food and shelter, but today, the primary focus is on arranging meals, tea, and snacks for the passing yatris. School grounds, Mandir courtyards, and public spaces are used as temporary halting points.

For the people of Satara, the arrival of the Wari is a moment of both religious significance and community service. Many families contribute voluntarily, preparing khichdi, puran poli, poha, and tea, offering these meals to the Warkaris regardless of social background, reflecting the inclusive ethos of the tradition.

The Wari’s passage through Satara, especially in towns like Phaltan, serves as a yearly reaffirmation of the district’s deep cultural and spiritual ties to the larger Varkari movement, blending devotion with the region’s long-standing hospitality traditions.

The Rath Utsav of Shri Ram Mandir at Phaltan Rajwada is celebrated in the presence of thousands of people from across Maharashtra. This Rath Yatra, which began around 250 years ago under the guidance of Sagunamata Aaisaheb of the Naik Nimbalkar royal family, continues to be held every year with the same traditional fervour.

The procession, centred around the Shri Ram Mandir in the Phaltan Rajwada, takes place on Margashirsha Shuddha Pratipada (November-December), also known as Dev Diwali. On this day, the murti of Bhagwan Ram is taken in a beautifully decorated rath (chariot) through the streets of Phaltan. The rath is ceremoniously worshipped by dignitaries before the murtis of Ram and Sita are installed in it. After the installation, aarti is performed, and the procession begins, accompanied by chanting and songs.

The Ram Rath Yatra at Nagthane is celebrated from Paush Shuddha 4 to Paush Shuddha 10 (December–January) and is known especially for its bull market. Large numbers of bulls are bought and sold during the event, alongside a wide range of other goods.

The highlight of the festival is the grand procession of Bhagwan Ram’s chariot. Thousands of people from surrounding villages gather for the occasion. Mobile cinemas, folk theaters, and local entertainment stalls add to the lively atmosphere of the fair.

Takewadi hosts the Yatra of Shri Satoba Dev, the Devta worshipped by the entire Dhangar community. The Shri Satoba Devasthanam, located north of Malwadi on a high hill, is the centre of this festival, while the vast plateau below fills with people and celebrations.

The yatra of Shri Satoba Dev begins on Ghatasthapana (the first day of Navratri, usually in September-October). On the first day, the Devta is taken out from the garbhagriha (sanctum) of the Mandir, and on the next day, a Maha Aarti is performed early in the morning. A grand procession of Shri Satoba Dev is then carried out in a palkhi, accompanied by mana sticks, dhol-lezim, and gaji bands from surrounding villages.

The Sitamai Yatra is held every year on Makar Sankranti (usually in January) at Sitamai Hill near Chafal in Patan taluka of Satara district. This picturesque hill, the origin of two rivers, is steeped in legends from the Ramayan. It is believed to be the place where Sitamai was left by Lakshman on Bhagwan Ram’s instructions, and where she spent her later life.

On the day of Makar Sankranti, thousands of Suvasinis (married women) gather at the hill to connect with Sitamai’s story of sacrifice and endurance. As a symbolic act of solidarity with Sitamai, the women offer prayers, share meals they have brought from home, play games, and spend time together in the serene surroundings of the hill.

A major part of the celebrations also takes place at the nearby Shri Ram Mandir in Chafal, which is a well-known yatri site. Here, women gather with offerings of sesame seeds, turmeric, saffron, and tilgul (a sweet made of sesame and jaggery), exchanging blessings for prosperity and good fortune. The ritual of taking oil (fat) is regarded as an act of receiving eternal blessings.

As women queue up for darshan and prayers, the air is filled with traditional verses urging kindness and good fortune: "Goad bol, til ghya; akhand suhagin rahu." (Speak sweetly, take sesame seeds, remain blessed in marriage.)

Recognized as a yatri site and tourist destination, the Shri Ram Mandir at Chafal draws people from across Maharashtra, making the Sitamai Yatra both a religious observance and a vibrant social gathering of women honoring one of the most poignant episodes of the Ramayan.

The Sevagiri Maharaj Yatra is held every year at Pusegaon in Khatav taluka, Satara district, to commemorate Sevagiri Maharaj, a revered yogi and sant of this region. The event begins on Margashirsha Vadya Chaturdashi (in December-January) and continues for ten days, drawing thousands of people from Maharashtra, North Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. The highlight of the yatra is the Rathotsava, a ceremonial chariot procession where bhakts enthusiastically participate in pulling the Rath of Sevagiri Maharaj’s samadhi. Lakhs of rupees are donated by followers during this period, supporting the upkeep of the site and various charitable works.

The yatra is also known for its bustling bullock market, attracting buyers and sellers from surrounding regions. Today, Sevagiri Maharaj Yatra continues as both a spiritual celebration and a vibrant community fair, honouring the saint’s life and teachings.

The Shri Siddhanath Yatra, also known as the Mhaswad of Rajemane, is held annually on Margashirsha Shuddha Pratipada (November–December). The yatra starts from the Shri Siddhanath Mandir in the village, and on this day, the murti is taken out in a ceremonial chariot procession.

The event draws around two lakh people from Maharashtra and neighbouring states. Entertainment at the yatra includes traveling cinemas, folk theaters, sweet shops, restaurants, and a variety of other stalls. The annual turnover from the yatra is estimated to be around Rs 25 lakh, with about Rs 1.5 lakh contributed to municipal income through the event.

The Yamai Devi Yatra is held every year in Aundh, Khatav taluka, during the month of Paush (January). With a history of over a hundred years, this Rathotsav draws lakhs of people from Maharashtra and North Karnataka. The event is marked by the resonant chants of "Ai Ude Ga Ambe Ude", filling the town with devotion and festive spirit.

The utsav murti of Shri Yamai Devi is ceremonially brought to the sabhamandap (pillared hall) of the Mandir and worshipped with rituals performed by the trustees of the Shri Yamai Devi Devasthan. On the eve of the Rathotsav, the Devi is worshipped on Shakambari Purnima, followed by a palkhi procession and the lighting of a traditional black stone lamp garland, continuing a long-standing custom.

The Rathotsav begins around midday and lasts for several hours, with thousands of bhakts offering garlands, coconuts, and gulal as the chariot makes its way through the town, passing landmarks like Chavdi Chowk, Maruti Mandir, and Padmale Lake. Along the procession, Gondhalis, Sanai players, Dandpatte performers, and Lezim troupes accompany the chariot, adding to the vibrant spectacle. The celebrations conclude with an abhishek of the Devi at Padmale Lake in the evening.

Aundh’s Yamai Devi Yatra remains one of the most significant religious gatherings in the region, rooted in deep faith and tradition.

The Yedoba Yatra is held every year on Chaitra Pournima at Yedoba Devsthan in Yerad village, Patan taluka. Celebrated over five days, this event honours both Yedoba and Jogeshwari Devi, with preparations beginning nearly two weeks in advance. People from across Satara district gather to witness this vibrant festival.

The festivities begin on the eve of the yatra, with Sasankathis arriving at midnight. The next morning, the Vivah Sohala or symbolic wedding of Jogeshwari Devi and Dev Yedoba is performed, followed by Chabina processions. The first, called Chota Chabina, takes place at noon amidst clouds of gulal, and the Ratricha Chabina is carried out at midnight. The second day features the main attraction—the Motha Chabina—at noon, followed by rituals like Dharecha Vidhi, Ringwan, and Pakalani.

Devis and Devtas from surrounding villages play an important role, with particular significance given to the palkhi of Devi Jaanai, who is considered Yedoba’s sister. Her palkhi arrives from her village at midnight before the marriage ceremony, as the key ritual of applying oil to Yedoba cannot commence without her presence.

A distinctive custom is observed in Nerale village and its nearby wadis, where Devi Jaanai is worshipped locally. In preparation for her journey, women grind masalas and flour a week in advance. From the time Jaanai departs until her return, four household activities are suspended: grinding spices with the Khalbatta, smearing courtyards with cow dung, grinding grain, and using the paata-varvanta (grinding stone for puran poli). These rituals only resume after her palkhi returns, marking the first day of the Yatra celebrations in Nerale.

The Yedoba Yatra remains a deeply rooted festival of devotion, tradition, and community celebration.