5. Dassara

“To truly experience Jejuri in all its grandeur, one must immerse oneself in Dassara.
Although Dassara is celebrated throughout India, for Jejuri, it stands as our grandest festival. Over nine days and nights, the Goddess is revered by various artists—the Ghadshis, who skillfully play the Sannai (clarinet) and the Dhol (two-headed drum); dancers known as Waghyas and Muralis invoke her presence. Simultaneously, the dhangars, or Shepherds, sing ovees, praising her glory. On the tenth day—Dassara—Lord Khandoba, an incarnation of Shiva, embodies Lord Ram, the epitome of an ideal king.
Elaborate rice flour drawings called Rangolis adorn doorways and altars, while sweets like Kheer are crafted as offerings.
The entire village congregates on the ridge that runs between the two Khandoba temples atop separate hills—the newer and older ones. During Dassara, idols from the two temples are carried in palanquins and converge mid-ridge, commencing festivities that last throughout the night.
Chants of “Yelkot, Yelkot, Jai Malhar” resonate among the devotees, symbolising the celebration of Khandoba’s victory.
Here’s a poem that seeks to encapsulate this vibrant festival:

The doorway
is adorned
with a toran,
a garland of marigolds
and mango leaves.

Intricate rangolis
and earthenware oil lamps
decorate the courtyard.

The kitchen is flooded
with the aroma
of cardamom and cinnamon
as a pot of kheer
slow cooks
on the stove.

For nine days
the ghadshis have played
the sannai and the dhol.
For nine nights
the waghyas
and the muralis
have sung and danced
for The Lord.

Today,
on Dassara,
in the presence
of our beloved
king, Khandoba,
evil shall be burned

Today
The Lord shall return
to the valley
between the fort
and Kadepathar

There
the dhangars
shall sing ovees
through the night
under the light
of a thousand twinkling stars

Today
we shall shout
with pure and unbridled joy,
“Yelkot yelkot
Jay Malhar!”