Chandrapur's Mahakali festival cancels entertainment events, saves money for drought-hit farmers

All entertainment programmes have been cancelled at this year's Shri Mahakali Mata Mahotsav in Chandrapur. The festival committee took the decision in view of the drought conditions in the state and after an appeal by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Committee president and MLA Kishor Jorgewar decided to cut expenses so that helping farmers battling drought could be given first priority.

The money saved by cancelling the programmes will be given, through the Chief Minister, to help drought-hit farmers. The Chandrapur festival is known across the state for its devotional songs, religious atmosphere, social initiatives and performances by local artists.

MLA Jorgewar said farmers are in distress because of the drought, and their relief should matter more than festival expenditure. According to him, he proposed reducing expenses with the thought that faith and devotion to Mahakali Mata should continue while the duty towards society is also fulfilled. The decision conveys the message that standing with farmers in their hour of difficulty is true social responsibility.

As in every year, big preparations had been made for the festival this time too. The five-day festival beginning on October 14 had devotional singing programmes scheduled by well-known bhakti singers Gajendra Pratap Singh, Hemant Brijwasi and Chaitanya Deodhe, and noted singer Jaspinder Narula. In view of the severity of the drought in the state, all these programmes have been cancelled. This will reduce the festival's expenses, and the money saved can be used to help farmers.

The religious rituals and social initiatives of the festival will go ahead as planned. These include the worship of and meal for 9,999 girls. Married women will be given green bangles with wishes for lasting marital well-being. A silver coin will be distributed to girls born during Navratri. A Nagar Pradakshina will also be taken out on October 19.

Though cultural programmes have been reduced, the social purpose behind this year's festival is greater. On one hand the tradition of devotion to Mahakali Mata is being kept up, and on the other an effort is being made to be mindful of the suffering of farmers hit by drought. The decision has been taken on the initiative of MLA Kishor Jorgewar.

Before the festival, a 51-foot-high flag will be hoisted at the Mata Mahakali temple on Ghatasthapana. The ceremony will be held in the temple premises at 2 pm on Sunday, October 11, 2026, the first day of Shardiya Navratri. The flag hoisting will express reverence and devotion to Mata Mahakali and add to the enthusiasm of the Navratri festivities.