BULDHANA

Buldhana 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. However, the district is especially known for the Mahasiddha Baba Jatra and Maha Sanskruti Mahotsav, among others. Together, these celebrations offer insight into the district’s social fabric and collective rhythms of life.

The Mahasiddha Baba Jatra is held annually in Dhanora village, located in Jalgaon Jamod. The jatra, dedicated to Shri Mahasiddha Buva, spans five days from Magha Shukla 11 to Magha Purnima (January–February). The Mandir, situated at the northern edge of Dhanora, was built around 400 years ago using brick and lime mortar. It measures 50 feet by 30 feet, featuring three arches on the front wall and a spire rising approximately 50 feet. The murti of Mahasiddha Buva, believed to be self-manifested, is 31 inches tall and 24 inches wide, made of stone, and coated with sindoor.

The Sharif Sailani Shah Miya Urus is held annually at Pimpalgaon Sarai in Chikhli tehsil, somewhere between February and March.

According to locals, Sharif Sailani Shah is said to have arrived from Delhi and gained fame for curing individuals possessed by spirits. Following his passing in 1908, the dargah was established, and the urus has been observed annually. The dargah, measuring 60 feet by 20 feet, has a tin-roofed structure with a tomb made of bricks and lime. A separate tomb marks the site of his passing. Rituals include incense burning and weekly rosewater washing on Fridays.

The Shri Kshetra Jalicha Dev Chakradhar Swami Buldhana Yatra is a significant spiritual and cultural event organized by the Directorate of Tourism, Divisional Office, Amravati, under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The event is held at the Shri Kshetra Jalicha mandir in Buldhana, Maharashtra, and honors Sarvadnya Shri Chakradhar Swami, a 13th-century sant and the founder of the Mahanubhav sect in Vaishnavism. He is revered as an incarnation of the Nirgun Nirakar Parmeshwar, the formless and attributeless divine.

The yatra features a vibrant rally of Chakradhar Swami's palakhi (palanquin) adorned with flowers, accompanied by devotional activities such as bhajans, kirtans, maha aarti, and maha prasad. The event also includes various souvenir stalls, attracting large numbers of devotees and tourists. It serves as a major pilgrimage and cultural gathering for followers of the Mahanubhav Panth.

The Buldhana district edition of the Maha Sanskruti Mahotsav concluded on February 24, 2024, with a vibrant series of cultural and community events held across Khamgaon and Chikhli. The festival began in Khamgaon (Feb 12–14) with activities such as a walkathon, featuring 5 km and 3 km races for men and women, respectively, and a rangoli competition, which attracted wide participation from local artists. In the second phase, held in Chikhli from Feb 20–23, a bhajan competition formed the main attraction. The event was conceptualized by MLA Shweta Mahale, who also served as the chief guest. 

Cash prizes and gifts worth ₹1.35 lakh were awarded not just to the top three bhajan groups but also to individual singers, instrumentalists, and arrangers. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including local officials and cultural leaders. The Maha Sanskruti Mahotsav served as an important platform to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of Buldhana through music, art, and community involvement.

As part of its initiative to promote tourism and bring lesser-known destinations into the spotlight, the Government of Maharashtra has planned 20 cultural festivals across the state. In the Amravati division, Buldhana district will host the Sindkhed Raja Festival. This event celebrates the rich Maratha heritage, particularly honoring Rajmata Jijau, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who was born in Sindkhed Raja. The festival is expected to feature cultural performances, traditional competitions, and community engagement activities, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Buldhana. These efforts aim to attract more tourists to interior regions and showcase Maharashtra's diverse cultural identity.

The Rajmata Jijau Janmotsav is an annual cultural and spiritual event celebrated every 12th January at Sindkhed Raja in Buldhana district, Maharashtra. This occasion marks the birth anniversary of Rajmata Jijau (Jijamata), the revered mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Hindavi Swarajya. Born in 1598, Rajmata Jijau is remembered for her courage, vision, and role in shaping Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals. Sindkhed Raja, her birthplace, is considered a site of historical and cultural importance.

Organized by the Maratha Seva Sangh and supported by the Directorate of Tourism, Amravati Division, the celebration includes several engaging activities. These include adventure- and bravery-themed events, a cultural play depicting the life of Shivaji Maharaj, and a horse competition. The event is free for all attendees and is usually held from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Sindkhed Raja is easily accessible, located just 5 km from the main town, 88 km from Nagpur Airport, and 115 km from Khamgaon Railway Station. The festival not only pays tribute to Rajmata Jijau’s legacy but also serves as a platform to celebrate Maratha heritage, culture, and valor.