Maharashtra: Grand Procession of Milk Pots Marks Sant Balumama Bhandara Festival in Adamapur

The annual Bhandara festival of Sant Sadguru Balumama at Adamapur witnessed a vibrant religious procession as ceremonial milk pots were carried from Nidhori. The milk is traditionally used for the sacred abhishek and for preparing kheer served as mahaprasad during the festival. The pots were placed in a decorated chariot and sent off with deep devotion amid chants and music. The atmosphere remained spiritual and festive as hundreds of devotees, volunteers, community groups and people of all age groups participated enthusiastically in the procession, turning the event into a grand devotional celebration.

The milk used for the sacred offerings was collected from sheep and goats believed to be descendants of the herds preserved by Sant Sadguru Balumama. Milk from animals kept in 19 different locations across Maharashtra and Karnataka was transported by vehicles to the Maruti Temple. After a traditional ritual worship ceremony, the milk pots were carefully placed on the chariot. Accompanied by ceremonial bullock carts and horses, the procession then began its journey towards Adamapur. Earlier in the afternoon, the chariot was welcomed with great enthusiasm at Nidhori by temple committee members, villagers, youth groups and a large gathering of devotees.

The route of the procession was beautifully decorated with artistic rangoli designs and showers of colourful flowers. Devotional activities such as kirtans and religious discourses filled the air, while the rhythmic sounds of cymbals, mridangam, dhol and tasha created a vibrant spiritual atmosphere. The honoured pair of bullocks belonging to Pandurang Patil from Harali Budruk led the procession, and a traditional dindi group from Auranal also participated. Local volunteers arranged free distribution of khichdi, fruits, buttermilk and kokum sherbet for devotees along the route, ensuring that the large gathering was comfortably served during the religious celebrations.

During the journey, the milk pots were ceremonially welcomed and worshipped at the Atmarup Ganesh Temple in Murgud before proceeding towards Nidhori. To ensure smooth movement of the procession, police from the Murgud Police Station maintained strict security and traffic management under the guidance of Assistant Police Inspector Shivaji Kare. The disciplined arrangements helped manage the large crowd and ensured that the religious event proceeded without disruption as the chariot continued its journey amid chants and celebrations.

The tradition of carrying milk pots from Nidhori to Adamapur for the Bhandara festival has been followed for more than fifty years. Elderly villagers believe that the ritual was originally started by Sant Sadguru Balumama himself. The Hanuman Temple is regarded as a witness to the beginning of this sacred custom. Over the decades, the procession has grown into a major spiritual event, drawing devotees from several regions who gather every year to honour the saint’s legacy and maintain the devotional tradition with unwavering faith and enthusiasm.

As the chariot departed from Nidhori towards Adamapur, devotees raised loud chants of “Balumamachya Navan Changbhala,” filling the air with devotion. In an extraordinary display of celebration, nearly 25 tonnes of Bhandara (holy turmeric powder) were showered during the procession with the help of seven to eight JCB machines. The spectacular sight created a sea of yellow across the route, adding grandeur to the festival. The colourful ritual symbolised devotion and gratitude towards the saint, making the event one of the most visually striking moments of the Bhandara celebrations.

Adding further excitement to the festivities, a helicopter showered flower petals over the chariot procession as well as around the Balumama temple premises. Devotees had been eagerly waiting for this special moment, which created a sense of awe among the large gathering. The helicopter had earlier landed at the ground of a college in Bidri before taking off for the aerial tribute. It flew multiple rounds over the area, scattering flowers over the devotees and the procession, creating a memorable and visually stunning highlight of the grand religious celebration.