Maharashtra: Thousands of devotees participate in Bagad Yatra on Rang Panchami

Hues of pink gulaal and chants in praise of Lord Bhairvnath marked the traditional Bagad Rath Yatra at Wai in Maharashtras Satara district as thousands of devotees from across the state attended the festivalCelebrated annually on Rang Panchami in the Hindu month of Falgun the Bagad Yatra symbolises the fulfilment of vows navas made to Lord BhairavnathOne of the most striking features of the festival is a chosen devotee known as Bagadya being suspended from a high wooden post using an iron hook as a way of fulfilling the vowsOn Wednesday thousands of people with gulaal colour smeared on their faces and chanting Kashinathacha Changbhal hail Lord Kashinath assembled at Bavdhan village in Wai to take part in the festival a reflection of Maharashtras deeprooted cultural heritageAt the heart of the festival is Bagad a massive wooden chariot crafted by the local carpenter communityIts aladandi axle is traditionally made of sandalwood while its wheels are carved from stone The sturdy Khillar bullocks known for their exceptional strength pull the chariot which weighs 2 to 3 tonsThis year Ajit Nanavare was chosen as Bagadya The 50foottall Bagad was pulled for nearly five kilometres with the help of multiple bullocksAccording to devotees the Bagad Yatra dates back 350 yearsThe chosen Bagadya observes a strict fiveday fast consuming only Neem leaves and abstaining from water while residing in the temple until the main day of the yatraThe Bagad a large chariot consists of two massive stone wheels A 10footlong pole is connected to an 18foottall tigermouth post with a 40foottall bamboo structure attached at a precise angle from which the chosen Bagadya is suspendedThe festivities begin on the eve of the yatra with Chhabina with a palanquin procession of the deity being taken outOn the panchami day the Bagadya is taken to the banks of the Krishna river for a ritual bath before being suspended from the hook as the chariot is drawn through the rugged farm paths amid chants of Kashinathacha ChangbhalThe Bagad Yatra is a symbol of unity for Bavdhans villagers with the entire community coming together to ensure its success Every task is carried out with deep devotion guided by the chants of Kashinathacha Changbhal said Dhananjay Ghodke a devotee from the villageThis powerful invocation serves as both inspiration and strength making even the most demanding tasks such as erecting the huge g bamboo structures and assembling ladders seem effortless he saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever