Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Amid chants of devotion, the ceremonial Dahi Handi was broken on Wednesday evening during the celebrations of Sant Eknath Shashthi. Delivering a discourse based on the Abhangs , Dattatray Ambirkar Maharaj explained how the bond between the human body and the soul dissolves and connects with the divine. Following the discourse, he broke the Dahi Handi as devotees chanted slogans in praise of Sant Eknath Maharaj. Afterwards, thousands of devotees queued up to relish the traditional and delicious Kala prasad.
The Kalashthami celebration was observed as part of the Sant Eknath Shashthi festival. The Nath Temple was crowded with devotees from around 2.30 pm. A decorated Dahi Handi was hung at the religious platform and adorned with flower garlands and sugar knots.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambirkar Maharaj said that such festivals bring people together and enrich their lives through the teachings of saints. District collector Deelip Swami was also present on the occasion. After the Kala Kirtan, the aarti and pasayadan of Sant Eknath Maharaj were performed.
Krishna Argade Maharaj also concluded the recitation of the life and teachings of Sant Eknath Maharaj.
Efforts for the successful organisation of the event were taken by president advocate Sadanand Deve, Ganesh Ghughe, Laxmanrao Thorat, Vishnu Jadhav, Sachin Walke, Raybhan Patil, Satish Mhaske and other devotees.
Devotees throng temple till 1 am
On the occasion of Kalashthami, the temple doors were opened at 6 am on Wednesday. Devotees began arriving early in the morning for darshan, and the flow continued until 1 am past midnight. Thousands of devotees visited the temple throughout the day, informed temple manager Somnath Shelar.
Caption:
Dahi Handi being broken by Dattatray Ambirkar Maharaj in the presence of thousands of devotees during Kalashthami celebrations at the Nath Temple.