AMRAVATI

Amravati district celebrates several important festivals and fairs throughout the year. The Shri Krishna Janmashtami Rukhmini Dwarkadhish Mahotsav honors the birth of Devta Krishna at the Rukhmini Dwarkadhish mandir. The Yatra Utsav at Gadge Maharaj Samadhi Mandir is held annually in December to commemorate the social work of Gadge Maharaj. The Melghat Holi festival is a major event celebrated by tribal communities in Melghat, featuring bonfires and music, often considered larger than Diwali. Other widely observed festivals in the district include Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Holi. Additionally, the Tapadia City Centre Grand Book Festival takes place at Tapadia City Centre Mall, showcasing books and stories to the public.

The Sant Gadge Maharaj Amravati Utsav is held every December at the Gadge Maharaj Samadhi Temple in Amravati to honor the social work of Sant Gadge Maharaj. The event includes a yatra, tributes to the sant, and speeches about his life and contributions. Discussions are also held on the ongoing work of Sant Gadge Maharaj’s trust, which continues his efforts in social welfare. Sant Gadge Maharaj was a social reformer who worked for the upliftment of the poor, the sick, and the downtrodden. He opposed animal sacrifice and supported the welfare of animals. He also established homes for the elderly, food donation centers for the poor, and dharamshalas  for Harijans. The festival serves as a way to remember his work and spread awareness about his contributions to society.

Shri Amba Devi Jatra is one of the largest jatras in the Amravati district, dedicated to Shri Amba Devi at the mandir in Gandhi Square. It takes place over 10 days, from Ashvina Sud. 1 to Ashvina Sud. 10 (September-October)

The mandir of Shri Amba Devi is located in the heart of the city, marked by a prominent entrance known as "Amba Gate."

The mandir complex covers an area of about 200 feet by 200 feet, featuring a tirthsthan measuring 40 feet by 40 feet. It includes multiple entrances, with the main one facing east. Surrounding the tirthsthan are areas designated for parikrama (circumambulation), and a Shivling is installed within the tirthsthan.

The murti of Amba Devi is approximately 3.5 feet tall, made of sand, and is considered Swayambhu (self-manifested). Amba Devi is adorned with various valuable ornaments, including multiple necklaces and nose rings made of gold and precious stones. These ornaments are changed on specific days throughout the year.

During the jatra, puja rituals include daily prasad of Panchamrit and chanting of mantras. The jatra begins on Ashvina Sud. 1(September-October), with regular puja and cultural programs such as bhajan and kirtan occurring during the first eight days.

Most people visit during the day, coming barefoot for the jatra, and take darshan of Amba Devi before returning home in the evening. However, some choose to stay in nearby lodges or a dharamshala associated with the mandir.

In addition to this major jatra in Ashvina, there is also a smaller festival known as Kartikotsav held at the mandir in Karthik(October-November) month, featuring another procession of the Amba Devi.

The Bahiram Jatra is an annual event held in Karanja-Bahiram, located in the Achalpur Taluka of Maharashtra. This fair takes place from Margashirsha Sud. 5 to Margashirsha Vad. 5 (November-December), honoring Bhagwan Bahiram, a who is a variant of Bhagwaan Bhairav.

The mandir dedicated to Bahiram is located on Bahiram Hill, approximately 1.5 miles west of the Karanja village. The jatra is conducted on open grounds at the base of this hill.

Historically, before 1957, it is said that the mandir was a modest shelter with a tiled roof. A bhakt from the Mali community constructed the current cement concrete mandir in 1957, measuring about 100 feet by 80 feet with three arches facing different directions. The mandir's spire reaches a height of 100 feet, making it visible from afar. Nearby, there are smaller mandirs dedicated to Bhagwaan Hanuman, Bhagwaan Ganesh, and Bhagwaan Shiv, as well as a tank known as Bhende Talao.

Locals say that approximately 500 years ago, people discovered a small murti of Bhagwaan Bahiram on a hill, which they began to perform puja on by applying sindur and butter.

On Margashirsha Sud. 5 (November – December), people light diyas and offer coconuts and other items in gratitude for fulfilled promises. Some pilgrims weigh themselves or their children against sugar or jaggery and give these as prasad among attendees.

The Shah Doula Rabiman Sbah Gazi Urus is an important Muslim festival held annually in Achalpur, from the 10th to the 15th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal (first spring). It commemorates the life of Shah Doula Rahiman Shah Gazi, a famous warrior and martyr. 

Achalpur is located approximately 30 miles northwest of Amravati and is rich in historical significance, featuring various antiquities such as an underground pipeline from the Bichan River, established during the reign of Ahmad Shah Wali Bahamani in 1425 CE. The town is also home to ancient structures like the Idgah of Sultan Imad-ul-Mulk, built in 1347 CE, and the Hauz Katora, a ruined octagonal tower nearby.

The tomb of Shah Doula Abdul Rahiman Gazi Gazanavi, dating back to 1340 CE, is one of the most notable monuments in Achalpur. The town was fortified by Ismail Khan, son of Sultan Khan, to protect it from invasions. Achalpur is well-connected by roads and public transport, making it accessible for pilgrims traveling from surrounding areas.

The story surrounding Shah Doula tells of a wandering Fakir who sought justice against a blasphemous king. His efforts led to a significant battle where he sacrificed his life. Following his death, his tomb was constructed, and over time, it became a site of reverence.

The Dargah housing his tomb is situated on the northeastern bank of the Bichan River and features impressive architecture with grand archways and white domes. The enclosure around the dargah was built by local leaders as a fulfillment of their vows. It includes five gates, each adorned with Persian inscriptions.

The festival lasts for six days, with the main day being the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal (first spring), marking Shah Gazi's martyrdom. Rituals include unrobing and washing the tomb with scented water brought by people.

During the festival, various cultural programs such as wrestling bouts, Qawwali performances, and traditional Tamasha shows are organized. Numerous stalls sell items ranging from toys to religious artifacts along the riverbank and connecting roads.

The Salbardi Jatra, also known as the Mahashivratri Jatra, is celebrated in honor of Bhagwaan Mahadev at Salbardi village in Morsi Taluka, running from Magha Vad. 12 to Phalguna Sud. 3 (February-March).

Salbardi, located at the northern border of Maharashtra, is a small village situated at the foot of the Satpura ranges. The village's name is derived from the abundance of Salai trees and its rocky terrain.

The village features natural hot and cold springs believed to have healing properties, particularly for skin ailments. The main attraction is a cave considered the abode of Bhagwaan Mahadev, located about 2 miles from the village. This cave is accessible via a narrow path and contains a self-existent Linga (Swayambhu) that is continuously fed by water from above.

Puja at the cave includes prasads of sweets, coconuts, and flowers made by people fulfilling their vows. The right to perform puja during the fair is auctioned annually by the Janpad Office of Betul District; there are no restrictions on who can bid. Many people participate in traditional rituals and processions, including a unique custom where groups called "Pohas" carry a ceremonial pole adorned with symbols of Bhagwaan Shiv.

The Shri Vithal Rukhmini Jatra is an annual event held at Kaudanyapur, a village in Chandur Taluka, from Kartika Sud. 11 to Kartika Vad. 2 (October-November). This jatra honors Vithal Bhagwaan and Rukhmini Devi, as it is said to be the birthplace of Rukhmini Devi.

The main mandir features a tirthsthan dedicated to Bhagwaan Vitthal and Devi Rukhmini and includes various other mandirs in its vicinity. The mandir complex has multiple entrances and a courtyard used for various activities during the jatra. Notably, a Nagarkhana (drum room) is situated near the main entrance where drums are played at specific times throughout the day.

The Vithoba Jatra is celebrated annually at Sawanga Vithoba in Chandur Taluka, spanning from mid-February to mid-March and again on the 5th of October. This jatra honors Sant Krishnaji Buwa, also known as Vithal Buwa or Awadhut Buwa, who belonged to the Mahar community.

The story of Sant Krishnaji Buwa is central to the fair's significance. He devoted 45 years to meditation and performed numerous miracles in Sawanga Vithoba before his passing. After his death, a miraculous event occurred when a female bhakt opened the door of his meditation room, revealing water instead of the Sant. This water was then mixed with clay to create his tomb.

The mandir dedicated to the Sant is situated east of the village, near the Khulat River. It features a large enclosure built from stone and lime with four gates and bastions at each corner. The mandir complex includes various rooms and samadhis of the Sant's descendants.

The mandir consists of three main parts: a Sabhamandap, an antechamber, and the tomb itself. The Sabhamandap is primarily constructed of wood and features multiple pillars, while the antechamber leads to the tomb where the Sant's samadhi is located.

The Bendoji Baba Jatra, also known as the Ghuikhed Fair, is one of the most significant jatras in the Chandur city, held annually in honor of Sant Bendoji Baba. The fair takes place over twelve days, from Magha Sud. 1 to Magha Sud. 12 (January-February), with the most important days being the 7th, 8th, and 9th of the bright half of Magha.

The fair is celebrated in Ghuikhed, a village located about 14 miles south of Chandur tehsil headquarters, situated on the northern bank of the Chandrabhaga River.

According to the "Bhakti Mahimamrita," written by Shri Sitaram Pandurang Qujar, a shepherd found a child suffering from boils in the jungle. He named the child Bendoji. As he grew up, Bendoji performed miracles that garnered him followers. One notable event involved reviving a man who had seemingly died during meditation, further establishing his reputation as a Sant.

The mandir dedicated to Bendoji Baba is located in the village and features an impressive structure said to have been built around 300 years ago, with renovations completed about 150 years ago under the guidance of a female Sant named Mayabai. The mandir complex includes a high compound wall with bastions and four gates, and it houses various rooms and samadhis for the Sant's descendants.

The Shri Krishna Janmashtami Rukhmini Dwarkadhish Mahotsav is celebrated annually at the Rukhmini Dwarkadhish mandir in Amravati on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapad. Devotees observe a fast a day before and perform a detailed ritualistic puja of Devta Krishna at midnight, following sixteen traditional steps. The event features devotional Shrikrishna songs and the popular Dahihandi celebration. Devotees worship the toddler forms of Krishna, Bal Gopal and Laddu Gopal, visit temples, pray, wear new clothes, prepare special dishes, and decorate homes and places of worship with flowers. The festival is organized by Shri Rukhmini Dwarkadhish Aadhyatmik Sanskar Center (ISKON). It takes place at Sarswati Colony, Rathi Nagar, VMV Road, Amravati

The tribal communities of Melghat in Amravati district celebrate the annual Holi festival as their biggest event, similar to how Diwali is celebrated in urban areas. Many tribal people who had migrated elsewhere for work begin returning home for the week-long Holi celebrations. The tradition has been followed for thousands of years. Like urban Diwali shopping, tribals buy utensils, jewelry, and electronic goods during Holi according to their means. The festival atmosphere starts nearly a week in advance with the sounds of flutes and dholki. Women wear traditional silver or silver-alloy jewelry and perform tribal dances. Political leaders Ravi Rana and Navneet Rana also participate in the celebrations. The festival continues until the Panchami Tithi of the Hindu calendar.

The Book Festival was held from 28 May to 1 June 2025 at Tapadia City Centre Mall, Amravati. Visitors filled a box with as many books as they wanted and paid only for the box—not the individual books. They chose between the Mini Box for ₹1500 or the Biggie Box for ₹2500. The festival featured bestsellers, kids’ specials, and local language treasures, making it a dream come true for every book lover.

Kanwar Ram Varsi is held from 13th April to 16th April, organized by Sindhis under the leadership of Devari Saheb in Amravati. Since Kanwar Ram Lord's great-grandsons lived in Amravati, they organized a varsi (a fair) on his jayanti. This varsi includes bhandaras for the underprivileged, mela for kids, bhajan kirtan, and free medical and health camps for everyone, organised by all the Sindhi doctors, where doctors from the community volunteer for the same.