VALPOI
A large number of devotees participated in the traditional Bhagut festival of Shri Siddheshwar Devasthan in Golavali-Sattari, which was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour.
The Bhagut festival is believed to have been started by villagers to honour the deity Siddheshwar, who is considered to be the protector of the village. According to legend, a villager used to visit a secluded spot in the forest to worship Siddheshwar. His wife, suspicious of his activities, followed him and discovered the spot where Siddheshwar resided. When she approached the spot, Siddheshwar vanished, but not before instructing the villager to visit him twice a year. Since then, the villagers have been celebrating the Bhagut festival twice a year.
The festival begins with a procession from the temple to a secluded spot in the forest, where devotees offer prayers and perform rituals. The festival also includes a traditional feast of non-vegetarian food, which is an essential part of the celebrations.
The festival witnessed a large gathering of devotees, who came from far and wide to participate in the celebrations. The villagers believe that the festival brings them closer to the deity and fulfils their wishes.
The villagers have preserved the tradition of celebrating the Bhagut festival for centuries, and it continues to be an important part of their cultural heritage. The festival is a testament to the village’s rich cultural traditions and its strong connection to its roots. Demgo Khot, a senior citizen of the village, shared his experiences of the festival and the legend behind it.
He said that the festival has been celebrated for generations and is an integral part of the village’s culture. He also praised the younger generation for their enthusiasm and participation in the festival.
