WARDHA

Wardha 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 Anjansara Yatra, Nanaji Maharaj Yatra, and Dhaga Mahashivratri 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 Ajansara Yatra is an annual two-day event held in Ajansara village, located in Hinganghat taluka of Wardha district, in memory of Sant Bhojaji Maharaj, a revered sant devoted to Bhagwan Vitthal. The yatra is usually celebrated on an important lunar day in Phalgun (February-March) or Chaitra (March-April).

Sant Bhojaji Maharaj, believed to have been born in Ajansara around 1800, was known for his celibacy and deep devotion to Vitthal. His teachings emphasized humility, service, and devotion, drawing followers from across Vidarbha. The yatra follows the Bhakti tradition, much like other saint-centric festivals in Maharashtra.

A major highlight of the event is the distribution of Puranpoli as prasad, a tradition that continues throughout the year. Every Wednesday, Puranpoli is cooked at the samadhi site of the sant, attracting long queues of bhakts seeking blessings. The site is also home to the well-known Puranwatani Yantra, believed to hold spiritual significance.

The Ajansara Yatra serves as both a religious gathering and a cultural event, strengthening the spiritual ties of the Vidarbha region while preserving the legacy of Sant Bhojaji Maharaj.

The Dhaga Mahashivratri Teerthayatra takes place annually in Dhaga village, Karanja taluka, Wardha district, during Mahashivratri in the Hindu month of Phalgun (February-March). The main site is a Shiv Mandir located in a cave, said to house a self-manifested Shivling. Locals link its origin to Rishi Dhaumya, and the site became well-known due to Sant Harihar Baba, who meditated in the nearby forests for 12 years. The area is also associated with healing, particularly for leprosy patients.

The cave Mandir allows only one person to enter at a time. Bhets include coconuts, sweets, and Bel leaves, while people tie cloth to a Peepal tree to make vows.

The Kaundanyapur Yatra is celebrated annually on Kartik Ekadashi (November–December) in Kaundanyapur village, Wardha district. The village is traditionally identified as Kundinapura, the ancient capital of Vidarbha, and is associated with the legend of Bhagwan Krishna’s marriage to Rukmini. It is also linked to local traditions about Rani Indumati and Devi Shabari.

The yatra is dedicated to Bhagwan Vithoba and follows the devotional tradition of the Pandharpur Wari, with Dindi processions accompanied by bhajans and kirtans. A key highlight of the celebrations is the Ringan ritual, performed at Kurha village, after which the procession moves toward the Ambika Mandir in Kaundanyapur.

The event draws people from across Vidarbha, who gather to participate in collective prayers, devotional singing, and offerings. While Kaundanyapur’s legends connect it to Krishna and Rukmini, the yatra primarily celebrates the devotional journey of Vithoba’s bhakts and their shared expressions of faith.

The Khandoba Yatra is a two-day annual festival celebrated in Salod village, Wardha district, usually held in September or October. Dedicated to Bhagwan Khandoba, associated with warrior traditions and pastoral communities, the festival features a rath (chariot) procession carrying the murti of Khandoba through the village streets. Bhakts accompany the procession with bhajans, kirtans, and offerings, creating a lively atmosphere of communal worship.

The Nanaji Maharaj Jatra is held every year in Kapsi village, Hinganghat taluka, along the banks of the Wardha River. The jatra takes place from the 7th to the 15th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magh (February-March), coinciding with Rath Saptami. The first day, known as Rath Saptami, draws the largest gathering of people. This annual event is celebrated in memory of Sant Nanaji Maharaj, a revered sant of the Bhakti tradition.

The centre of the jatra is the Laxmi Narayan Mandir, constructed by Nanaji Maharaj in 1890 with the support of local villagers. The Mandir, located on the scenic riverbank, houses beautifully carved black stone murtis of Laxmi Narayan, along with idols of Vitthal-Rukmini. The samadhi of Nanaji Maharaj and his wife is also situated in front of the Mandir. Daily rituals include aarti, bhajans, and a community offering called Mahanaivedya, with Anna Chhatra (community meal) organized during the festival.

One of the highlights of the jatra is the Dahi Handi ceremony, held at midnight on Rath Saptami. Around 22 bhajan groups participate in breaking a dahi handi tied on a specific rock in the riverbed of the Wardha River, making this a unique celebration. Locals regard this Dahi Handi ritual as one of a kind in Maharashtra. The 10-day festival also features cultural programs and the distribution of traditional foods like Puranpoli to bhakts.

Apart from the jatra, the Mandir remains active throughout the year, especially during festivals like Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi, when bhakts gather to offer prayers and partake in prasad. Even during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditions have been maintained, though on a smaller scale.

The Nanaji Maharaj Jatra stands as a symbol of Vidarbha’s enduring saint tradition and the deep-rooted devotional culture of the region.

The Pavnar Yatra takes place in Pavnar village, 15 km from Wardha, during Ashadha (June-July). The festival is centered on a 700-year-old murti of Bhagwan Ram, with a rath procession traveling from Pavnar to Wardha.

The Sant Kejaji Maharaj Utsav is observed on Paush Amavasya (December-January) at the Sant Kejaji Maharaj Mandir in Ghorad. The festival honors the sant’s death anniversary with prayers, bhajans, and a ritual involving horses.

Bhakts walk along the Bor River while singing devotional songs, a tradition similar to the Pandharpur Wari. The sant’s son is believed to have been connected to Sant Namdev’s lineage, and the event continues the Bhakti tradition.