SANGLI

Sangli 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 the Dahibhat Festival, Mhasoba Yatra, and Tasgaon Ganpati Mandir Yatra, among others, 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 Dahibhat Festival is a unique celebration held at the Sagareshwar Mandir in Devarashtra, Sangli district. Every Monday during the month of Shravan (July–August), special abhishek rituals are performed by four neighbouring villages in a set sequence: Takari offers buttermilk, Dudhari offers milk, Tupari offers ghee, and Dahyari offers curd. These rituals culminate in a community yatra on the final Monday of Shravan.

In Chaitra (March–April), the Mandir also hosts the Dahibhat festival, during which women offer curd-rice (dahi-bhat) as a mark of devotion. This festival highlights the deep cultural and agricultural ties of the region, especially through food-based rituals.

In Sangli district, the village of Kavathe-Ekand is known for its unique and grand Dussehra celebrations, centred around the annual yatra of Shri Siddharaj Maharaj. On Vijayadashami, a vibrant night-time palkhi procession carries the Devta from the local Mandir in Kavathe-Ekand to the nearby village of Nagaon, about half a kilometre away. This short but spiritually significant journey takes place entirely at night and is illuminated by a continuous and spectacular display of fireworks, a tradition that has been observed for over 65 years. The uninterrupted fireworks ensure that the path remains well-lit and celebratory, symbolising the removal of darkness and obstacles during the divine procession.

The Shri Siddharaj Maharaj Mandir, where the yatra begins, is a beautiful and revered Mandir within the village, with a sacred tank and Mandir horses believed to be the divine companions of the Devta. The entire village and surrounding areas gather for the occasion, and the atmosphere is one of deep devotion and vibrant festivity.

Additionally, bullock cart races are organised in many villages during the yatra season. In these events, participants bring specially trained Khillar breed bulls and race them on open village grounds, or malranas. The races draw large crowds of spectators. Over the years, these races have grown in popularity, with enthusiasts of all ages taking part, making them an integral part of the rural Dussehra celebration in Sangli.

The Jyotirling Yatra at Kande is an annual festival held during the month of Chaitra (March–April) at the Jyotirling Mandir in Kande village, Shirala taluka, Sangli district. Dedicated to Bhagwaan Shiv, the yatra takes place on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami, the eighth day of the waxing moon, as per the traditional Hindu lunar calendar.

For the occasion, the Mandir is beautifully decorated with lamps, flowers, leaves, sugarcane, and lights. Devotees gather in large numbers to participate in rituals, prayers, and the festive atmosphere that surrounds the Mandir. The yatra is a significant event in the religious calendar of the region, drawing people from surrounding areas each year.

The Mhasoba Yatra is an annual fair and festival held in the month of Chaitra (March–April) at the Mhasoba Temple in Banpuri village, Atpadi taluka, Sangli district. Dedicated to Mhasoba, the gramdevta traditionally worshipped near cremation grounds, the festival draws hundreds of people from nearby villages.

During the yatra, the Mandir is adorned with flowers, sugarcane, leaves, lamps, and decorative lights. The festivities include ritual pujas, processions, vibrant fireworks, and traditional offerings. The Mhasoba Yatra continues to be an important event in the local religious and cultural calendar.

Muhharram in Kadegaon taluka of Sangli district is marked by the grand procession of 14 large tazias made from mud, each carried by 150–200 people. Initiated over 200 years ago by Bhausaheb Inamdar, the event is a symbol of communal unity, supported by people from various communities. The tazias are displayed in key locations such as Patilwadi and the Marathi School. Among them, the Ashtabhuji tazia has been a distinct feature of the festival for more than 60 years.

The Revansiddha Mandir Yatra takes place at the historic Revansiddha Mandir in Revangaon, Khanapur taluka. The original Mandir, built in 1461, is located outside the village, with a newer structure inside the village limits. The Mandir is a regular stop for travellers heading toward Pune or to the Khandoba Mandir at Pali. Rituals include daily aartis, with a special focus on celebrations during Mahashivratri.

In Vaifale village, the annual Urus at the Dargah of Gabi Pir Baba is celebrated a week after Holi. The event sees participation from both Hindu and Muslim communities. A highlight of the festival is the evening bullock cart race, where decorated carts and spirited bulls race from the village centre to the entrance arch, creating a festive and competitive atmosphere.

The Rathotsav at the Tasgaon Ganpati Mandir is one of the most anticipated events in Sangli district, held every year during Ganesh Chaturthi. People from across the region gather to witness the grand rath procession of Shri Ganesh, known locally for being a Jagrut Devta, a devta believed to be especially responsive to prayers and blessings.

On the day of the festival, the main murti of Ganpati, whose unique right-turning trunk is considered a symbol of powerful energy, is placed in a beautifully decorated wooden rath (chariot). Another smaller murti is also worshipped and taken along in the procession. At midnight, both murtis are carried to the Yerala River in a grand procession, accompanied by music, chanting, and celebration, and are immersed in the river the following day.

The Rathotsav brings together devotion, artistry, and community spirit, making it a significant cultural event in the region.