Sri Ram Rathotsava at Jalgaon in Maharashtra
is observed in the Kartik Month. The most famous temple festival in the region
takes place at the ancient Shri Ram Mandir in the town. Shrirama Rathotsava
2024 date is November 12. The Rathotsav begins on the Kartik Shukla Paksha
Pratipada and the most important date is the Kartik Shukla Paksha Ekadasi day.
On the main Sri Ram Rathotsava day, the murtis worshipped in
the temple are taken around the streets of Jalgaon in a lavishly decorated Ratha
or Chariot.
The Rathotsav was started by Sadguru Shri
Appa Maharaj in 1872.
During the first ten days of the festival
one can witness Bhagwan Sri Ram on various chariots drawn by
Horse
Elephant
Tiger
Lion
Saraswati
Sheshnag
Chandra
Suryanarayan
Garuda
Hanuman (Maruti)
The Sri Ram Rath on the main day of
the festival is pulled by more than 500 devotees.
The chariot is decorated with various flowers (mainly
marigold), mango leaves, lighting, and flags of Bhagwa color. Ram Sevak,
Bhajani Mandal, Varkari sing Bhajans, Ganesh Mandal Plays Lazim, Sanai
Chaughada in front of the Rath.
The murtis are taken to Girna River