JALNA

Holi, celebrated across Maharashtra, marks the end of the harvest season and the arrival of spring. It is a festival of colors, joy, and renewal, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. While the festival takes on different forms across the state, in Jalna, it holds a distinct cultural expression within the Banjara community.

The Banjaras, known for their deep connection with nature, celebrate Holi by igniting the remnants of the cotton crop - an act symbolizing both gratitude for the harvest and the cycle of renewal. The community gathers to dance in circles, with a performer at the center playing the halgi, a traditional percussion instrument. Men move rhythmically around him, dressed in vibrant traditional attire adorned with small mirrors that shimmer in the firelight. This colorful and rhythmic celebration can be witnessed across various Tandas (Banjara settlements) in the Jalna district, reflecting the community’s unique cultural heritage and joyous spirit.

Just as Maharashtra celebrates Navratri with Dandiya, Gondhal, Jagran, and Songtya, similar traditions are observed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Padmashali community, which has a significant presence in Jalna, follows customs that closely align with Maharashtra's festive spirit.

Padmashali women celebrate Bathukamma with deep devotion and enthusiasm. A unique aspect of their Navratri celebrations is their stickless version of Dandiya (tipri), which is a central feature of their five-day festivities.

The Anandi Swami yatra is one of the oldest and most celebrated 10-day yatras in Jalna city, attracting people from across Jalna and neighbouring districts. The yatra takes place during Ashadhi Ekadashi, serving as a pilgrimage site for those unable to travel to Pandharpur.

For the first nine days, people engage in singing bhajans, kirtans, and bharuds throughout the day. On the 10th day, Ashadhi Ekadashi, the murti of Anandi Swami is carried in a palkhi across old Jalna.

This jatra takes place near the Bhagwaan Shiv Mandir, located in the heart of the town along the banks of the Kundalika River. The mandir is renowned as the "Mandir of Panchamukhi Mahadev" due to its main Linga being surrounded by 108 smaller Lingas and having five faces at the top.

The mandir is managed by a Jangam pujari, and the puja is done twice daily. Morning puja begins early in the morning with the Shivji being bathed, adorned with sandalwood paste and flowers, followed by an arati and the distribution of sugar prasad. Evening puja also includes an arati. On Mahashivratri Day, bhakts perform an abhishek on the Shivji through Brahmin pujaris while observing a vrat.

People bring offerings such as flowers, rice, incense sticks, coconuts, groundnut seeds, and Bel tree leaves, which are sold at nearby stalls, as these leaves are closely associated with Bhagwaan Shiv.

The Durga Mata Mandir is located around 1 km east of town along the Jalna-Deulgaon Raja Road. According to locals, the murti was discovered in a field by Nanuram Maharaj, who then brought it to Jalna.

The annual jatra runs for ten days from Ashvina Sud. 1 to Ashvina Sud. 10 (September-October). On the first day, a 'Homa' is performed, followed by recitations from 'Durga Path' each night. On Ashvina Sud. 8, Durga Mata is bathed with 'Panchamrit.'

A procession starts in the afternoon and concludes at the mandir, where a large effigy of Ravan is burned.