I always wanted to go to Bharadi devi Jatra but never could make it. This time taking a day early break it was possible. All the planning went in place. Nearly 10 of us decided to contribute. Everybody agreed that we should go and spend at least 3-4 days in our village in Nandos, Malvan Katta. The jatra was on 1st of March so 29 February was fixed to travel. We got two new friends Subhash and Mandavkar in our group. I boarded JAN SHATABDI Express at Panvel with Leena and Sharu. Rest of all boarded the train at Dadar. I took my telescope with me to have starry night sessions. The train journey was pleasant. We reached Kankavli at around 12:30 and then hired two Omni’s to go to our house. It was only 30 min drive. Everybody relaxed and had a fish in the lunch. Our liquor stock was waiting for us. We decided to have only beers for the lunch. Mandavkar gave us a beautiful gift, portrait of Shivaji. We took a quite stroll towards our bavadi. It was so wonderful. Tai prepared chicken for the dinner. Of course we had drinks. By that time I prepared my telescope and showed Pleades cluster, Aldebaran and surprised everybody with the rings of the Saturn. It was mesmerizing for all. Seeing Saturn with its rings clearly visible is a privilege. I also impressed my friends with few astronomical facts.
Next morning we all woke up quite early. Omni’s came on time. We reached Bharadi Devi temple at 8:15 in the morning. We thought there won’t be any rush at that time but we were utterly wrong. Everybody had a big question mark on their face. We stood near the entrance of Tula queue and waited for some time. It was decided previously that Avi and I will do Tula of Chinmay and Sharu. It was horrible experience to enter the pandal. When I saw Appa bent down to come inside I was scared. Ramesh is so heavy but even he managed well to get in. Finally we all got in but the struggle was not yet over. Tula queue was also very big and congested. Nearly 4-5 long queue from all directions were getting inside the temple at the same time. Avi and I stood in the Tula queue and rest all went ahead in the normal queue. After Tula we took darshan of Bharadi Devi. This time I enjoyed it even more. It was very clear view. When I came out of the temple I was so relaxed. Carrying small children in such a congested queues is scary. We were out by 9:30. I really appreciated all the village people who stood in the long queues for 5-6 hours to see the glimpse of the goddess. This Jatra is becoming very very congested every year. We left the temple by around 11:00 and went to our next journey.
After all this hassle to get inside the temple I wish to attend this Jatra every year.
Next morning we all woke up quite early. Omni’s came on time. We reached Bharadi Devi temple at 8:15 in the morning. We thought there won’t be any rush at that time but we were utterly wrong. Everybody had a big question mark on their face. We stood near the entrance of Tula queue and waited for some time. It was decided previously that Avi and I will do Tula of Chinmay and Sharu. It was horrible experience to enter the pandal. When I saw Appa bent down to come inside I was scared. Ramesh is so heavy but even he managed well to get in. Finally we all got in but the struggle was not yet over. Tula queue was also very big and congested. Nearly 4-5 long queue from all directions were getting inside the temple at the same time. Avi and I stood in the Tula queue and rest all went ahead in the normal queue. After Tula we took darshan of Bharadi Devi. This time I enjoyed it even more. It was very clear view. When I came out of the temple I was so relaxed. Carrying small children in such a congested queues is scary. We were out by 9:30. I really appreciated all the village people who stood in the long queues for 5-6 hours to see the glimpse of the goddess. This Jatra is becoming very very congested every year. We left the temple by around 11:00 and went to our next journey.
After all this hassle to get inside the temple I wish to attend this Jatra every year.
