South India’s Grand Malegaon Yatra Kicks Off with Enthusiasm

Cooperative Minister Babasaheb Patil Attends Palanquin Procession District Collector Offers Prayers to Shri Khanderaya with Family Bell, Bhandara, and Coconut Offerings Mark the Start of Devswari and Palanquin Procession Pledge for a Plastic-Free and Waste-Free Yatra

Nanded : The famous Malegaon Yatra of South India commenced today. In the afternoon, the procession of Shri Khandoba (Devswari) started. Amid chants of “Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar,” millions of devotees witnessed the procession, offering bell, turmeric (Bhandara), and coconut. The traditional start of Shri Khandoba’s Yatra at Malegaon led to the procession moving through the main road, reaching its resting place.

On this occasion, Cooperative Minister Babasaheb Patil graced the palanquin procession with his presence. Along with him were MLA Prataprao Patil Chikhlikar, MLA Anandrao Patil Bondharkar, District Council’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Sandeep Malode, District Rural Project Director Dr. Sanjay Tubakale, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Rajkumar Mukkawar, Deputy CEO Panchayat Manjusha Kapse, District Health Officer Dr. Sangita Deshmukh, Primary Education Officer Savita Birge, Rural Water Supply Engineer Amol Patil, Deputy CEO Narayan Misaal, Amit Rathod, District Animal Husbandry Officer Dr. Ghule, Agriculture Development Officer Sachin Kapale, Executive Engineer Ashok Bhojraj, Panchayat Samiti Officer Dashrathrao Aaderagho, Sarpanch Representative Hanumant Hulgunde, Gram Panchayat Officer B.C. Devkamble, Gram Panchayat officials, and thousands of devotees.

During the event, the dignitaries associated with the palanquin, including Ganpatrao Malharrao Naik (Risangav), Govindrao Nageshrao Mahajan (Kurula), Venkatrao Marotirao Pandagle (Shiradhon), Khushalrao Bhagwanrao Bhosikar (Panbhosi), and Govindrao Babarrao Naikwade (Panbhosi), along with Pandurang Narayan Patil (Malegaon), Malharirao Saheb Patil (Malegaon), Vijaykumar Shankarrao Kanakdande (Ashtur), and Ambadas Khanderao Jahagirdar (Malegaon), were honored with traditional turbans by the temple trust.

This year, the District Council has made excellent arrangements to ensure a plastic-free and waste-free Yatra. Adequate measures for parking and security have been implemented.

The palanquin ceremony also featured traditional attire with participants like Waghya Murali and Vasudev joining the festivities.

Important district festivals witnessed the participation of Cooperative Minister Babasaheb Patil, along with District Collector Abhijeet Raut and his family. The Nanded District Council, Loha Panchayat Samiti, and Malegaon Gram Panchayat have provided basic facilities for devotees attending the Yatra.

Starting today, the Yatra will continue until January 5. The official programs of the Yatra were postponed due to a national mourning period and will commence on January 2. Devotees from across the country are expected to visit during this time, and a significant livestock market will be active. Shops selling essential livestock-related goods are also set up in large numbers. On January 2, a Lavani festival is organized for devotees, featuring many renowned Lavani artists and groups from Maharashtra performing their art.

During today’s Yatra, many rural art forms of India were presented by citizens during the Palanquin Festival.

The police department ensured tight security during the Yatra. The district administration clarified that citizens should seek police assistance in any exceptional circumstances.

With chants like “Malahjari Dev Nande Gad Jejuri” and “Uttum Rayachi Jejuri Gadala Nau Lakh Payri,” devotees began offering services to Shri Khanderaya with traditional instruments in the Malegaon Yatra. Accompanied by traditional songs, drums (Duff), and tuntu (a traditional instrument), the entire atmosphere resonated with joy and devotion. The remaining scheduled programs will be held from January 2 to 5.