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Welcoming the Marathi New Year with Faith, Prosperity and Tradition
Gudhi Padwa marks the Maharashtrian New Year and is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, symbolizing new beginnings, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil.
On this auspicious day, families wake up early, take a traditional oil bath, decorate their homes with rangoli and torans, and hoist the Gudhi—a bamboo pole draped with a bright silk cloth, adorned with neem and mango leaves, a flower garland, sugar garlands (gathi), and topped with an inverted metal kalash. The Gudhi is a sacred symbol of victory, prosperity, divine blessings, and protection. It is believed to invite into the home the blessings of food (Anna), clothing (Vastra), shelter (Nivara), good health (Arogya), happiness, spiritual well-being, and success throughout the New Year.
Special prayers are offered, and families partake in Kadunimbachi Chutney (कडुनिंबाची चटणी), prepared from fresh neem leaves (kadunimb), jaggery (gul), tamarind or lemon, roasted cumin, and other traditional ingredients. Its unique blend of bitter, sweet, sour, and spicy flavours reminds us to accept both the joys and challenges of life with gratitude and balance. Traditional festive dishes such as Puran Poli, Shrikhand, and other Maharashtrian delicacies are then prepared and shared with family and friends.
In Mauritius, the Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation (MMMF), together with its affiliated Marathi mandalis across the island, celebrates Gudhi Padwa through Gudhi hoisting ceremonies, collective prayers, bhajans, cultural programmes, traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, and community gatherings. These celebrations strengthen the bonds within the Marathi community while preserving and promoting Maharashtra's rich language, culture, traditions, and spiritual heritage for future generations.
Swarajya
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Diwas is celebrated to honour the birth anniversary of our revered Maratha King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire and one of India's greatest warrior kings. Renowned for his courage, visionary leadership, military brilliance, and commitment to justice, he established Hindavi Swarajya based on the principles of good governance, religious tolerance, and the welfare of his people. His ideals of courage, self-respect, discipline, unity, and service to society continue to inspire generations across the world.
The day is marked by offering floral tributes to the statue or portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, reciting prayers, singing powadas (heroic ballads), organising cultural programmes, speeches, exhibitions, and educational activities that celebrate his life, values, and extraordinary achievements.
In Mauritius, the Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation (MMMF) and its affiliated Marathi mandalis commemorate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Diwas alongside Maharashtra Day, celebrating both the legacy of our revered Maratha King and the rich history, culture, and identity of the State of Maharashtra. The occasion brings together the Marathi community through tribute ceremonies, cultural performances, traditional music and dance, historical lectures, exhibitions, youth competitions, and community gatherings.
A highlight of the celebration is the homage paid at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue located within the premises of the Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation, widely regarded as the largest statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj outside India. This magnificent monument stands as a symbol of courage, vision, justice, and the enduring bond between Mauritius and Maharashtra. Through these celebrations, the Federation preserves the glorious legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj while inspiring future generations to uphold the values of leadership, unity, patriotism, and pride in their Marathi heritage.
"जय भवानी, जय शिवाजी!" remains a timeless call that embodies the courage, honour, and indomitable spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, inspiring generations to uphold Dharma and serve society with integrity.
The Heart of Maharashtrian Culture and Devotion
Ganesh Chaturthi, popularly known as Ganeshotsav, is the most cherished festival of Maharashtra and the most significant celebration of the Marathi community worldwide. It commemorates the divine appearance of Ganapati Bappa on the auspicious day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. Revered as the remover of obstacles and the bestower of wisdom, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings, Ganapati Bappa holds a special place in the heart of every Maharashtrian.
For Marathas, Ganeshotsav is far more than a religious festival—it is a celebration of family, faith, culture, unity, and Marathi identity. While the worship of Ganapati Bappa dates back thousands of years, the festival gained a new dimension in 1893, when Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak transformed it into a public celebration. His vision united people through devotion, preserved Maharashtrian culture, and inspired a spirit of social harmony and national pride. Today, Ganeshotsav continues to be the heartbeat of Maharashtra and remains the most eagerly awaited festival of Marathi communities across the world.
Preparations Begin with Naag Panchami
For many Maharashtrian families, the preparations for Ganeshotsav begin from Naag Panchami, when the vrat is started and homes are cleaned, decorated, and prepared for Bappa's arrival. Families gather the materials needed for the celebration, prepare decorations, and spiritually ready themselves to welcome Ganapati Bappa with devotion and purity.
One of the most distinctive traditions preserved by the Marathi community in Mauritius is the handcrafting of Ganapati Bappa's clay murti. Rather than purchasing a ready-made murti, many families lovingly mould the murti themselves using natural clay, following a tradition brought to Mauritius by their ancestors from Maharashtra.
This practice reflects the simplicity, purity, and deep reverence that Maharashtrians have traditionally shown towards Ganapati Bappa. The preparation of the murti is a cherished family activity in which elders pass on their skills and traditions to younger generations. More than an artistic practice, it is an expression of devotion, patience, humility, and respect for the customs inherited from our forefathers.
The traditional Dhyāna mantra, recited along with the Ganapati Atharvashirsha, beautifully describes Ganapati Bappa's divine form:
एकदन्तं चतुर्हस्तं पाशमङ्कुशधारिणम् । रदं च वरदं हस्तैर्बिभ्राणं मूषकध्वजम् ।
रक्तं लम्बोदरं शूर्पकर्णकं रक्तवाससम् ॥
This sacred verse describes Ganapati Bappa as red in complexion (रक्तं) and clad in red garments (रक्तवाससम्). In Maharashtrian tradition, this is reflected by adorning the murti with red (rakta) through shendur (vermilion), red flowers, and red garments. The colour red symbolises auspiciousness, divine energy (Shakti), prosperity, courage, and victory, making it an integral part of Ganapati worship.
Sthapana – Welcoming Ganapati Bappa Home
On Ganesh Chaturthi, the beautifully decorated murti is ceremoniously welcomed into the home through the Sthapana and Pran Pratishtha rituals. Homes resonate with the sound of bells, conch shells, Vedic mantras, and the joyful chant of:
"Ganapati Bappa Morya!"
Families and groups gather to perform Aarti, offer durva, flowers, coconuts, fruits, and Ukadiche Modak, the favourite offering of Ganapati Bappa. Throughout the festival, relatives, neighbours, and friends visit one another's homes to seek Bappa's blessings, strengthening family ties and community spirit.
The chant "Ganapati Bappa Morya!" is one of the most cherished expressions of devotion in the Marathi tradition. While "Ganapati Bappa" lovingly refers to our beloved Ganapati, "Morya" pays tribute to Sant Morya Gosavi, one of Maharashtra's greatest devotees of Ganapati Bappa. Through his unwavering devotion, penance, and spiritual life centred at Morgaon and later Chinchwad, Sant Morya Gosavi played a pivotal role in spreading Ganapati worship throughout Maharashtra.
Over the centuries, devotees began chanting "Ganapati Bappa Morya!" in honour of both Ganapati Bappa and Sant Morya Gosavi
Uttar Puja and Visarjan
As Ganeshotsav draws to a close, families perform the Uttar Puja, offering heartfelt gratitude to Ganapati Bappa for His presence and blessings.
The Visarjan procession is both emotional and joyous. Before bidding farewell, many Maharashtrian families offer the Bāra Mahinyānchā Shidhā to Ganapati Bappa, praying that every home may be blessed with abundance, prosperity, and nourishment throughout the coming year. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhol and tasha, devotional singing, and the resounding chants of:
"गणपती बाप्पा मोरया, पुढच्या वर्षी लवकर या!"
devotees bid farewell to Bappa with immense love and devotion, praying for His early return the following year. The immersion of the murti marks the conclusion of the festival while reminding devotees that Ganapati Bappa's blessings remain with every family throughout the year.
Jhakri
One of the most vibrant traditions of the Mauritian Marathi community is the Jhakri, held before the Visarjan. Families and devotees gather for an evening filled with Marathi bhajans, traditional music, devotional singing, joyful dancing, and the continuous chanting of Ganapati Bappa's name.
The Jhakri is a unique expression of Marathi culture, transforming the farewell into a joyful celebration of faith, unity, and gratitude as devotees accompany Bappa on His final journey before eagerly awaiting His return the following year.
Since the arrival of the first Marathi immigrants in Mauritius during the nineteenth century, Ganeshotsav has remained the cornerstone of Marathi cultural and spiritual life. The traditions of handcrafting the clay murti, welcoming Ganapati Bappa into the home, performing daily aartis, hosting family and friends and participating in the Visarjan procession have been faithfully preserved and passed down from one generation to the next.
Today, the Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation (MMMF) and its affiliated Marathi mandalis continue this proud legacy by organising island-wide Ganeshotsav celebrations, murti sthapana, devotional programmes, the Federation preserves not only devotion to Ganapati Bappa but also the language, customs, music, traditions, and values that define the rich and vibrant heritage of the Marathi community in Mauritius.
Ambabaichi Gondhal
Gondhal is one of the oldest and most cherished devotional traditions of Maharashtra. It is a sacred ritual performed in honour of Jagadamba Tulja Bhavani, affectionately known as Ambabai, the revered Kuladevi (family deity) of countless Maharashtrian families. Deeply rooted in Maharashtra's spiritual heritage, Gondhal is a solemn offering of gratitude (Navas Fedne) and a heartfelt prayer seeking Ambabai's blessings, protection, strength, and guidance.
For centuries, Maharashtrians have performed Gondhal to express their devotion after the fulfilment of a Navas or on auspicious family occasions. More than a ritual, Gondhal is a living tradition that preserves the faith, folklore, music, and identity of Maharashtra.
In the Maharashtrian tradition, Gondhal is much more than a musical performance, it is a sacred ritual (Vidhi) performed to honour Ambabai and to fulfil a Navas (solemn vow) made to the Goddess Bhawani. Families believe that when Ambabai blesses them with Her grace, it is their duty to express gratitude by performing Gondhal in Her honour.
The Gondhal invokes Ambabai through devotional songs, storytelling, music, and sacred dance. The ceremony celebrates the victory of righteousness over evil and reminds devotees that courage, faith, and Dharma always prevail.
Traditionally, Gondhal is performed:
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After the fulfilment of a Navas.
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On Shashthi (the sixth day of Navratri).
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During weddings.
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At naming ceremonies.
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Before or after important family milestones.
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To give thanks after recovery from illness or deliverance from difficulties.
Through the Gondhal, devotees seek Ambabai's blessings for protection, prosperity, good health, harmony, courage, and success. It is also a reminder that every blessing received should be acknowledged with humility and gratitude.
A Sacred Night of Devotion to Martanda Bhairava
Jaagran is one of the oldest and most revered spiritual traditions of the Marathi Hindu community. Dedicated to Shri Khandoba, the divine manifestation of Lord Shiva as Martanda Bhairava, the Jaagran is a sacred all-night ceremony of worship, music, storytelling, and spiritual awakening. It is performed to invoke the blessings of Shri Khandoba for protection, prosperity, courage, family harmony, good health, and the triumph of Dharma over Adharma.
For countless Marathi families, Shri Khandoba is worshipped as their Kuldaivat (Family Deity). His devotion transcends caste and social boundaries, uniting generations of devotees across Maharashtra and beyond. Farmers pray for abundant harvests, warriors seek courage and victory, traders invoke prosperity, and families worship Him as the eternal guardian of their homes and lineage.
According to the Malhari Mahatmya, Shri Khandoba manifested as Martanda Bhairava to destroy the powerful demons Mani and Malla, whose tyranny had disturbed the balance of Dharma and caused immense suffering to sages and humanity.
After a fierce battle, Shri Khandoba defeated both demons and restored righteousness. Before their death, Mani and Malla sincerely repented and sought forgiveness. In His infinite compassion, Shri Khandoba granted them liberation and blessed them with eternal remembrance in His worship. This divine episode symbolises not only the victory of righteousness over evil but also the transformative power of repentance and divine grace.
Since then, Shri Khandoba has been revered as the protector of Dharma, the remover of obstacles, and the compassionate guardian of all who seek Him with unwavering faith.
Jejuri - the Sacred Abode of Khanderaya
The spiritual heart of Khandoba worship is the holy town of Jejuri, situated near Pune in Maharashtra. Revered as the principal seat of Shri Khandoba, Jejuri is one of Maharashtra's most important pilgrimage centres and is affectionately known as the "Golden Temple of Maharashtra."
Perched atop a hill and approached by hundreds of stone steps lined with magnificent Deepmalas (lamp towers), the temple attracts lakhs of devotees every year. As pilgrims ascend the sacred steps chanting "Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar!", the atmosphere becomes charged with devotion, faith, and spiritual energy.
Jejuri is renowned throughout India for its spectacular Bhandara tradition. During festivals and sacred ceremonies, devotees joyfully shower turmeric powder into the air until the entire temple complex is covered in a brilliant golden hue. The turmeric symbolises victory, prosperity, purity, and the divine blessings of Shri Khandoba. This breathtaking spectacle has made Jejuri one of the most iconic spiritual destinations in Maharashtra and a timeless symbol of Marathi devotion.
For Marathi communities across the world, Jejuri is more than a pilgrimage site—it is the spiritual homeland of Shri Khandoba's worship and an enduring source of inspiration.
Jaagran is traditionally organised to fulfil a Navas (sacred vow), express gratitude for blessings received, seek divine protection, or commemorate important milestones such as marriages, house blessings, anniversaries, and other auspicious family occasions.
The ceremony begins with the worship of Shri Khandoba and the ceremonial preparation of the sacred Maan (also known as Chowk), symbolising the divine seat and honour of the deity. The Maan becomes the spiritual centre around which the night's worship unfolds.
Led by experienced Waghya and Murali devotees, the Jaagran continues through devotional songs, Ovi, Gondhal, sacred narratives, and traditional performances recounting the divine life of Shri Khandoba, His marriages to Mhalsa Devi and Banai, His victory over Mani and Malla, and His unwavering protection of devotees.
Accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of the Sambal, Taal, Dimdi, and Ghanta, the repeated chants of "Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar!" fill the atmosphere with devotion, courage, and spiritual energy.
Among the most distinctive features of Khandoba Jaagran is the Langaar (लंगर)—the sacred iron chain dedicated to Khandoba. Deeply rooted in the traditions of Maharashtra, the Langaar is far more than a ceremonial object. It symbolises unwavering faith, divine strength, protection, discipline, and the eternal bond between the devotee and Khanderaya
The making of the Langaar is itself regarded as a sacred offering. Traditionally forged by a skilled Lohar (blacksmith), every iron link is individually heated in fire, shaped by hand, and carefully joined to the next to form one continuous chain. The work requires great skill, patience, and devotion, as the Langaar is crafted not as an ordinary chain but as a sacred object destined for the worship of Shri Khandoba.
Once completed, it is ceremonially purified and dedicated to the deity before becoming an integral part of the Jaagran.
The interconnected links of the Langaar symbolise the unity of devotees, the continuity of tradition, and the inseparable relationship between the devotee, the Guru, and Shri Khandoba. Like every link that strengthens the chain, every devotee contributes to preserving the spiritual heritage of the community.
A Living Heritage in Mauritius
When the early Marathi settlers arrived in Mauritius, they carried with them not only their language and customs but also their profound devotion to Shri Khandoba. Through generations, they faithfully preserved the sacred traditions of the Jaagran and the powerful chants of "Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar!"
Today, Khandoba Jaagrans continue to unite families and communities across Mauritius, strengthening faith while preserving one of Maharashtra's richest spiritual traditions.
The Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation, together with its affiliated Mandalis and the marathi community at large, remain committed to safeguarding and promoting this invaluable heritage. Through the preservation of these sacred rituals, the Federation honours the legacy of our ancestors and ensures that the timeless traditions of Shri Khandoba of Jejuri continue to inspire future generations with devotion, courage, unity, and unwavering faith.
