HINGOLI

Dasara marks the culmination of Navratri and Durga Puja, celebrating Bhagwan Rama’s triumph over Ravana and Devi Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. Across India, the festival is observed through rituals, processions, and the burning of Ravana effigies.

In Hingoli, Dasara celebrations date back around 250 years to Mandas Baba, who initiated the tradition. The festival spans all nine days of Navratri and begins with the breaking of a coconut in honor of Mandas Baba to seek his blessings for a peaceful celebration. From the second day onward, various kushti (wrestling) competitions and buffalo fights are held, drawing large crowds. The evenings come alive with staged performances of Ram Leela. Throughout the nine days, artisans craft a towering wooden effigy of Ravana, which is finally set ablaze on the last night in a spectacular Ravan Dahan.

Kanifnath is a Kuldev for many villages in the district, and each year, these villages organize events in his honor. In the village of Umra, a unique tradition is followed. Villagers erect a stick adorned with a Bhagva flag, known as the Kanobachi Kathi, which is prominently displayed during Shivratri. Every day, they perform puja of the Kanobachi Kathi with pushpa, naral, and dhoop. On the night before Padwa, the villagers celebrate with bhajans and dance, carrying the Kanobachi Kathi from house to house to receive Kanifnath's aashirwad. The Kanobachi Kathi is never placed on the ground throughout the night. This ritual is considered so significant that without this aashirwad, no villager proceeds with marriage.

On the next day of Bail Pola, a one-day jatra dedicated to Bhavani Mata is held on a hill outside the Umra village. During the puja of Bhavani Mata, every family in the village contributes oil and vat (wick) to light a flame, which is believed to burn away illness and misfortune. Farmers also bring their bulls to the mandir to seek aashirwad. In addition, the jatra also brings together vendors selling toys, sweets, and jewelry, creating a festive atmosphere where people gather to celebrate and seek blessings from Bhavani Mata. 

The Rathotsav at Aundha Nagnath is a celebrated event where traditional roles hold significant value. Historically, the jatra has relied on the contributions of barbers, blacksmiths, and carpenters, who play an essential role in ensuring the smooth running of the celebrations. Barbers carry torches to light the path for the rath, while blacksmiths and carpenters handle any immediate repairs needed during the festival. These roles have been integral to the Rathotsav for many years.

However, in recent times, the festival experienced a disruption when some individuals, seeking recognition, took over the event’s management. As a result, the traditional contributors were sidelined, deviating from established practices.

In the village of Kolsa, located in Sengaon Taluka, an annual 11-day jatra dedicated to Bhagwaan Khandoba takes place every January. This tradition has been followed for around 100 years. Villagers volunteer to participate by taking time off work and contributing to the festival's organization. Despite bull racing being banned, many racers from across the district still participate in this traditional event held during the jatra. On the final day, the villagers organize a bhandara and invite everyone.