Shri Tuljabhavani Devi Sharadiya Navratri Festival Accorded Status of Maharashtra’s Premier Festival – Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai

Local folk traditions to be showcased during the celebrations

Mumbai, Sept 2025 : The Shri Tuljabhavani Devi Sharadiya Navratri Festival has been granted the prestigious recognition of being one of Maharashtra’s premier state festivals. This grand celebration will be held from September 22 to October 2, 2025 — from Ghatasthapana to Vijayadashami — at Tuljapur in Dharashiv (Osmanabad) district.

During the festival, a wide range of local folk art performances will take place, including Gondhali songs, Bharud, and Jakhadi dance, along with devotional and cultural competitions such as Gondhal, Bhajans, and Kirtans, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai announced.

He noted that Tuljapur, home to the ancient temple of Goddess Tuljabhavani (Ambabai), is one of the three-and-a-half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra and is revered across the country. The ten-day festival attracts nearly 5 million devotees from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and various other parts of India. Throughout this period, Tuljapur comes alive with an atmosphere of religious fervor, cultural grandeur, and social unity.

Alongside local folk performances, the festival will also feature programs by nationally and regionally acclaimed artists, adding vibrancy to the celebrations. A special highlight will be a spectacular drone light show with 300 drones, themed on Navratri.

The festival will be live-streamed on the official website and YouTube channel of Maharashtra Tourism (Maharashtra Tourism Official), enabling devotees and tourists from across India and abroad to experience it virtually. To promote responsible and sustainable tourism, lectures, painting competitions, and marathons will also be organized. In addition, familiarization tours, tourism conclaves, and fairs will be hosted.

The event is expected to significantly boost footfall to nearby religious and historical sites, including the Naldurg Fort, the temple of Saint Goroba Kaka at Ter, the Yedeshwari Temple at Yermala, and the Paranda Fort, thereby giving a strong push to local tourism and the regional economy.

Local economy to get a boost – Principal Secretary Dr. Atul Patne

Dr. Atul Patne, Principal Secretary, described the decision to accord premier festival status to the Shri Tuljabhavani Devi Navratri Festival as historic. He said the move will boost tourism, provide opportunities for local artists, and further strengthen Maharashtra’s cultural and religious identity, while playing a key role in supporting the local economy.

A confluence of culture and faith – Tourism Director Dr. B. N. Patil

Tourism Director Dr. B. N. Patil said that recognition of the festival as a premier event would give new direction to Maharashtra’s tourism sector. He emphasized that the festival is not only a religious celebration but also an effective platform to showcase Maharashtra’s rich folk arts and cultural heritage at national and international levels.

He added that, much like the Mysuru Dussehra Festival, the Shri Tuljabhavani Navratri Festival will be widely promoted to attract a larger number of tourists.