KHANDOBA - JEJURI

The celebrations and rites on all the four occasions are not quite dissimilar.The consist of ceremonial worship, the arrival of various family deities in their palanquins, arrival of flagstaffs, singing and dance concerts in honour of the god. The actual marriage ceremony of Khandoba and his brides is celebrated at Naldrug and P respectively. Thousands of people flock together singing bhajans and shouting ‘Sadanandacha yelkot’ or ‘Yelkot Malhari’. From historical times certain families enjoy precedence in the procession of the palanquins and flag staffs. The palanquins are either local or come from other towns either onshoulders or even by train. Certain communities patronise particular occasions.

For example the Kolis are more numerous on the Maghi full-moon day, while the number of Ramoshis is greater for the Pausha fair. In the early morning the palanquins, which contain the deities of so many families go to the Karha river. There they are bathed and worshipped. In the evening they proceed in a procession for the darshan of Khandoba. This is accompanied by several bands of musicians, bhajan parties and often a great display of fireworks takes place. The party reaches the temple by around eleven on the full moon night. Having taken the darshan the people start climbing down the hill. Next day morning the flagstaffs are taken by procession to the Gad-Kot.

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