Jejuri is a small town in Pune
district in Mahrashtra, India. Nestled at very close proximity of the Western
Ghats range, this small town is the abode of one of the most revered temples in
the state, known as the Jejuri Khandoba Temple.
Apart from the resilient
devotees, people may not even contemplate that this hamlet can hold something
really special.
This tiny little town comes alive
on every new moon falling on a Monday (Somwati Amavasya). All the devotees offer prayers and
celebrate holi with turmeric powder, or Bhandara, as it is locally known. Yes!
You have read it right, the holi is celebrated with turmeric powder. The place
becomes a Photographer’s delight where one can unearth the treasure of exceptional
Indian Heritage and culture in full swing.
This year, the first of such
auspicious occasions fell on 27th March (there are two more this
year – 21st August and 18th December). My club, Fotorbit India, arranged for a photo trip to Jejuri and I was fortunate enough to be
part of this trip.
Jejuri is around 55-60 km from
the Pune city so we drove to the place by ourselves. Guided by the experienced
and the veteran photographer Mr Arun Saha, 5 photo enthusiasts embarked on this
tremendous photographic journey from Pune. In addition to that, we had the privilege
to have the renowned photographer Mr Saurabh Chatterjee with us.
Once we reached Jejuri, we could
see the temple at the top of a hillock from the below (the temple was built as
a temple-fort). The way towards the top is reachable by climbing a few stairs
which can be tiring under tremendous heat but it is more rewarding for the
photobugs, as one can capture numerous close portraits and action on the
streets. One has to be cautious by not spending too much time here itself as
the main spectacular event must not be missed.
After reaching to the top, one
needs to manage one’s own sitting arrangement on the top of the fortification
walls of the temple. The main grandeur would take place right beneath you so an
unhindered view is a must.
Under the mentorship of Arun and
Saurabh, we really had a hell of a time during the event.
Tips:
- Once you manage your sitting arrangement, do not leave it as the place is heavily crowded and you may not be able to recover it and loose the opportunities to click some action.
- Have head covers for yourselves and drink lot and lots of water.
- Protective gears for the camera is a must – be ready to get completely drenched in turmeric J
Finally, be part of the next
Photo tour of Jejuri organized by Fotorbit India on 21st August. Don’t
miss this event if you are a photographer and have a keen interest in capturing
a unique aspect of the Indian culture.
Route from Pune to Jejuri Khandoba Temple:
Now the photos:
The Temple:
The devotees touch the Palkhi to be blessed:
The other side of devotion, guards trying to make space for the Palkhi:
The Crowd when the festival is in full momentum:
The Palkhi is arriving:
And the Palkhi has arrived:
Bhandara Festival - Offering in a group:
Solo offering:
Some headshots/close portraits on our way up and down (my favorites):
