Tue Oct 15 12:24:35 UTC 2024: ## Thousands gather in Jejuri for Khandoba’s ‘Mardani Dasara’
**Jejuri, Maharashtra:** A massive crowd of devotees gathered in Jejuri on Sunday to witness the annual ‘Mardani Dasara’ festival, a unique tradition celebrating the strength and devotion to the deity Khandoba, considered the ‘Kuladaivat’ (family deity) of Maharashtra.
The festival, held on the second day after Dussehra, involves participants attempting to lift a 42-kilogram sword, known as the ‘Khanda’, as a symbol of strength and devotion to Lord Khandoba.
The tradition dates back over two and a half centuries when the sword was gifted to Khandobera by Maratha leaders, Mahipat Rao and Ram Rao Panse. The ‘Mardani’ (masculine) aspect of the festival is emphasized by the incredible strength displayed by the participants, including young children as young as 12 and men in their 60s.
“It’s a test of strength and endurance,” said one devotee, who has been participating in the festival for over a decade. “It’s a way for us to show our devotion to Lord Khandoba.”
The festival saw a flurry of activity as participants competed to lift the sword for the longest duration, some even attempting to lift it with their teeth. Thousands of devotees, both local and from across Maharashtra, gathered at the Jejuri Fort to witness the spectacle.
The ‘Mardani Dasara’ is a significant event in Jejuri’s calendar, drawing devotees from across the state who come to celebrate the legacy of Lord Khandoba. The festival is a symbol of the cultural heritage of Maharashtra and the power of faith.
First Piper 