NANDED

Nanded reflects Maharashtra’s vibrant cultural spirit through a range of fairs and festivals celebrated across its towns and villages. 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 Datta Janma Jatra, Hottal Festival, and Malegaon Yatra, which highlight its local traditions and historical connections. Together, these celebrations offer insight into the district’s social fabric and collective rhythms of life.

The Datta Janma Jatra is an annual festival celebrated in Mahur, located in Kinwat tehsil of Nanded district. It is held from Margashirsha Shuddha 11 to Margashirsha Shuddha 15 (November–December), with the main day of celebration on Margashirsha Shuddha 15, marking the birth of Bhagwaan Dattatraya.

The Mandir at Mahur is closely linked to the legend of Anusaya and Atri Rishi. As per local oral tradition, Anusaya was tested by Bhagwaan Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, who appeared in disguise as ascetics. Impressed by her chastity and devotion, they granted her a boon to bear a child with qualities of all three—thus leading to the birth of Bhagwaan Dattatraya. This story continues to be central to the identity of Mahur and the spiritual significance of the festival.

The Dattatraya Mandir in Mahur is an ancient stone Mandir believed to have been built in Samvat 1297 by Shri Mukund Bharali Maharaj. It is considered one of the oldest mandirs dedicated to Bhagwaan Dattatraya. The Mandir complex also has devsthans dedicated to Anusaya and Vithal-Rukhmini, along with samadhis of several sants. During the jatra, people from across Maharashtra and neighboring states visit Mahur to participate in the rituals, darshan, and festivities.

The Hottal Festival is held annually in Hottal village, located in Nanded district, Maharashtra. Usually celebrated in the month of December, the festival highlights the historical and architectural significance of Hottal, once a sub-principality of the Chalukyas. The village, also known as "Navaru," is home to the ancient Siddeshwar Mandir and several other Chalukyan-era mandirs.

The Hottal Festival was started to preserve and promote awareness of this rich heritage. Organized by local cultural and tourism bodies, the festival includes guided tours of the Mandir complex, cultural performances, traditional crafts displays, and local food stalls. Folk music and dance performances draw visitors from across the region and encourage community participation in preserving local history.

The Malegaon Yatra is held annually in Malegaon village, located in Loha Taluka of Nanded district. This rural fair is celebrated from Margashirsha Vadya 12 to Pausha Shuddha 4 (usually November–December), with the most significant days being Margashirsha Vadya 13 and 14. The festival is dedicated to Khandoba, a form of Bhagwaan Shiv, and draws thousands of bhakts and traders each year.

The yatra takes place at the Shri Kshetra Khandoba Mandir. Believed to be over 800 years old, the Mandir is built in the Hemadpanthi architectural style. The Mandir features a sanctuary with silver murtis of Khandoba and Mhalsa under a silver umbrella. Daily rituals and special pujas during the yatra are performed by Gurav community priests.

Malegaon Yatra is known as one of the largest rural fairs in the region. While the Yatra lasts for five days, the accompanying animal market continues for nearly a month. Traders bring horses, donkeys, camels, red bulls, cows, and other livestock, with horse prices ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹12 lakh. The fair also includes a bustling market selling household items, agricultural tools, textiles, toys, jewelry, devotional items, and sweets. The event plays a major role in the rural economy and cultural identity of the region.