Bhiwandi Celebrates Raksha Bandhan With 78-Year-Old Chariot Tradition

The Padmashali community in Bhiwandi celebrated Raksha Bandhan with a grand chariot procession, keeping a 78-year-old tradition alive. The community, traditionally associated with weaving, organised the annual procession, which included a palanquin ceremony and a special handloom procession.

The procession began from the Swami Ayyappa Temple in Padmanagar and proceeded through Dhamankar Naka and Mandai before reaching the Markandeshwar Temple in Kasarali. A separate Markandeya Mahamuni Palkhi ceremony was organised by the Shri Shivbhakt Markandeya Temple in Kamatghar-Bhagyanagar and the Shri Markandeya Mahamuni Vachanalaya Committee.

The Padmashali community has its roots in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with members having lived in Bhiwandi for several generations. The community has a significant presence in Bhiwandi, a city widely known for its powerloom industry. According to the community's belief, Markandeya Mahamuni once wove clothes for Lord Brahma.

As part of the celebrations, clothes woven on a traditional handloom were ceremonially offered to the community's revered deity, Markandeya Mahamuni. The clothes were subsequently auctioned, with members of the community participating enthusiastically and placing bids running into lakhs of rupees.

The celebrations were attended by several dignitaries, including BJP group leader Santosh Shetty, corporator Sumit Patil, and RPI city president Mahendra Gaikwad. The event was organised by the Akhil Padmashali Samaj Sanstha, Bhiwandi, which has been continuously organising the annual chariot procession for the past 78 years.

The Padmashali community's tradition of changing their sacred thread on Shravani Purnima, which coincides with Raksha Bandhan, is an important part of their celebrations. The community worships the thread and believes that it is a symbol of their connection to their revered deity.

The grand procession and celebrations were a testament to the community's rich cultural heritage and their commitment to preserving their traditions. The event was attended by thousands of community members, who came together to mark the special occasion.

The Padmashali community's celebrations in Bhiwandi are an important part of the city's cultural landscape. The community's traditions and customs are an integral part of the city's identity, and their celebrations are a reflection of the city's diversity and richness.

In conclusion, the Padmashali community's celebration of Raksha Bandhan with a 78-year-old chariot tradition is a significant event that showcases the community's rich cultural heritage and their commitment to preserving their traditions. The event is an important part of Bhiwandi's cultural landscape and is a testament to the city's diversity and richness.