Discover Bhandara Festival: A Vibrant Turmeric Celebration, Jejuri in Pune
The Bhandara Festival, also known as the Great Turmeric Festival happens in Jejuri, Maharashtra, at the Khandoba Temple. This vibrant festival occurs on Somvati Amavasya, a new moon day that falls on a Monday, which usually happens two or three times a year.
During the festival, the town comes alive with bright yellow turmeric thrown everywhere, accompanied by energetic singing and dancing. Devotees of Lord Khandoba participate enthusiastically in the celebrations. Jejuri is located about 1.5 hours southeast of Pune in Maharashtra.
Mythology
Jejuri Pune
Jejuri Pune, a typically quiet town southeast of Pune, transforms into a vibrant spectacle during the Bhandara Festival. This festival attracts thousands of devotees from Maharashtra and Karnataka, who come to the Khandoba Temple seeking blessings from God Khandoba.
The town becomes a sea of golden yellow as turmeric is thrown everywhere amidst sounds of devotional chanting, singing, and dancing. This unique celebration is filled with love, devotion, and a sense of community.
Jejuri Temple Steps
The Khandoba Temple in Jejuri is accessed by climbing nearly 200 steps. The path is adorned with around 18 arches, 350 Deep-Stambha (lamp-pillars), and several shrines along the way. About a third of the way up, the steps split and then rejoin 50 feet (15 meters) higher, offering a scenic and spiritually enriching ascent to the temple.
Celebrating Togetherness
The Bhandara Festival honors Khandoba, believed to possess qualities of Lord Shiva. His two wives, Mhalsa and Banai, are seen as incarnations of Goddess Parvati and Ganga. Khandoba is worshipped as the ancestral god in Maharashtra and by the Dhangar tribe, herdsmen, shepherds, farmers, and nomads from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Devotees offer turmeric, bel fruit leaves, vegetables, sweet flatbread (puran poli), or bharit rogda made of onion and brinjal. Despite different beliefs and backgrounds, devotees unite through the vibrant hue of turmeric.
As the palanquin carrying Khandoba and his wives moves towards the Karha River for a holy dip, the atmosphere becomes mesmerizing. The air is filled with holy chants, music, dance, and the sight of turmeric being thrown, creating a magical moment for everyone present.
Sonyachi Jejuri: The Significance of Turmeric
Turmeric plays a crucial role in the Bhandara Festival for various reasons. Some believe it symbolizes the marital bond of Khandoba and his wives, similar to its use in Indian weddings. Others see turmeric as a symbol of gold and prosperity, which they seek from their lord. Traditional depictions of Khandoba often show him with a bowl of turmeric in hand, reinforcing its importance.
Regardless of the differences in how devotees see Khandoba, all believe in his power to unite, rejuvenate, and bring prosperity. The festival is a harmonious, peaceful, and devout celebration where thousands come together, leaving as one, their bodies colored in yellow and their souls soaked in the blessings of Lord Khandoba.
Jejuri From Pune: How to travel?
To travel to Jejuri from Pune, you have a couple of route options:
Route via Hadapsar to Saswad:
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- This route is commonly straight.
- Distance: Approximately 49 km.
- Directions: Start from Hadapsar and head towards Saswad, then continue towards Jejuri.
Route via Katraj – Kondhwa – Bopdev Ghat – Saswad:
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- This route might offer scenic views but involves navigating through ghat sections.
- Distance: Approximately 49 km.
- Directions: Start from Katraj, pass through Kondhwa and Bopdev Ghat, then continue towards Saswad and Jejuri.
Travel Information:
- Nearest Airport: Pune Airport (49 km), Mumbai Airport (200 km), Aurangabad Airport (250 km).
- Nearest Railway Station: Jejuri.
FAQ
Q. Jejuri to Pandharpur Distance
Ans: The distance from Jejuri to Pandharpur is approximately 154.3 km, and it usually takes about 3 hours and 9 minutes to travel this route via Jejuri-Morgaon-Baramati Rd and NH
Q. What is the importance of Jejuri?
Ans. Jejuri holds importance dating back to the times of Maratha ruler Shivaji. It was one of the major hill forts in Maharashtra and is also famous for the Khandoba Temple.
Q. What is the Bhandara festival?
Ans. The Bhandara festival at Jejuri Khandoba Temple is famous for attracting over five lakh worshipers. During the festival, showers of haldi (turmeric), known as ‘bhandara,’ turn the entire temple grounds and stairs yellow. The Bhandara festival, also called ‘Sonyachi Jejuri’ or golden Jejuri, happens nearly three times a year.
Q. Who is God Khandoba?
Ans. Khandoba is a clan deity who grants desires to various Maharashtrian castes and groups. He is essentially an avatar or form of Lord Shiva.
Q. When is the annual fair at Jejuri?
Ans. Every year in November, there is an annual fair Jatra. This Jatra fair attracts around 40,000 worshippers from Pune and the surrounding areas.
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