Shirdi Celebrates Nandotsav with Enthusiastic Processions and Devotional Events

Shirdi, September 5 (Daily Kiran) : Shirdi recently celebrated the Nandotsav festival with great enthusiasm and devotion. Organized by the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, the event featured a variety of activities, including devotional singing (kirtan), the traditional dahi handi, and a grand chariot procession.

On Saturday night, between 10 PM and midnight, devotees gathered at the Samadhi of Shri Saibaba to witness the installation of a statue of Lord Krishna. The ceremony was led by H.B.P. Shri Rajendra Pandurang Mandewal from Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, who shared stories about Krishna’s birth and his childhood exploits during the kirtan. Present at the event were the trust’s CEO Goraksh Gadilkar, Deputy CIO Bhimraj Darade, temple head Vishnu Thorat, priests, staff, and a large number of devotees.

Following the kirtan, Ajit Prakash Kote, a descendant of the contemporary devotee Tatyas Kote, ceremonially broke the dahi handi. The crowd erupted in cheers as the pot burst, showcasing the joyous spirit of the festival. Among the attendees were CEO Goraksh Gadilkar, Deputy CEO Bhimraj Darade, temple head Vishnu Thorat, priests, staff, and many Sai devotees from Shirdi.

A grand procession featuring the chariot of Shri Krishna commenced from Shirdi village at 9 PM on Saturday. This procession excited the devotees, who lined up at various locations to catch a glimpse of the chariot. After the procession returned to the temple, a night-time aarti was held.

The Nandotsav festivities transformed Shirdi into a vibrant hub of devotion throughout the day. Events such as the Krishna Janm Kirtan, Kalya Kirtan, dahi handi, and the chariot procession added to the festive atmosphere. Earlier, on the occasion of Gokulashtami (Janmashtami), a midnight program was also organized, featuring various religious activities.

From 10 PM to midnight, H.B.P. Shri Rajendra Pandurang Mandewal led the Krishna Janm Kirtan at the Shri Saibaba Samadhi Temple, where the excitement among devotees was palpable. As the moment of Krishna’s birth approached, the temple resonated with chants of “Jai Shri Krishna” and “Govinda Gopala.” The night concluded with the aarti ceremony.