Amid chants of “Sadanandacha Yelkot,” the annual pilgrimage of Shri Mhalsakant Khandoba began with great devotion at Dhamani in Ambegaon taluka. Thousands of devotees from Pune, Ahmednagar, Nashik, Mumbai and nearby regions gathered on Sunday to seek blessings of their revered deity and family god. The temple premises echoed with devotional slogans as devotees showered bhandara and coconuts in celebration. The festival marks an important spiritual occasion for worshippers who consider Dhamani a sacred centre of faith, drawing large crowds every year with deep religious enthusiasm and traditional fervour.
In the early hours of Sunday, rituals commenced with Rudrabhishek and Dugdhbhishek of the self-manifested Sapta Shivling inside the main sanctum. Panchdhatu masks of Khandoba, Mhalsai and Banai were ceremonially installed and adorned with traditional garments and ornaments. The deity was offered puran poli as part of the customary worship, followed by a grand maha aarti attended by thousands of devotees, including a significant number of women. After the rituals, the temple was opened for public darshan, with devotees patiently standing in long queues to pay their respects.
The temple and surrounding area were beautifully illuminated with decorative lighting and floral arrangements, creating a festive atmosphere. Devotees performed vow-fulfilment rituals, gondhal and jagaran, while enjoying bullock cart races organised as part of the fair. Stalls selling sweets, snacks, flowers, coconuts and farm tools added to the vibrancy of the event. With Sunday being a holiday, devotees from Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai arrived in large numbers. Adequate police security, health facilities and drinking water arrangements were provided, ensuring smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.