The Kanifnath Yatra is a vibrant celebration dedicated to
Kanifnath, also known as Kanhoba, a revered figure in the Navnath Sampradaya. Kanifnath
Yatra 2026 date is March 8. This annual festival takes place during the
Phalgun month, typically spanning from Phalgun Krishna Paksha Panchami to
Chaitra Shukla Paksha Pratipada, coinciding with Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian
New Year.
Kanifnath, considered one of the nine Maha Yogis of the
Navnath tradition, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. His
samadhi, or final resting place, is located in Madhi near Ahmednagar,
Maharashtra. It is believed that Kanifnath is an incarnation of Prabuddha
Narayan, as mentioned in the sacred Bhagavata Purana.
During the Kanifnath Yatra, devotees from various parts of
Maharashtra and beyond gather to pay their respects and seek blessings. The
most significant day of the festival is Phalgun Krishna Paksha Panchami, the
fifth day of the waning moon in the Phalgun month.
The yatra attracts a massive crowd, with more than 500,000
people visiting the Samadhi Sthal of Kanifnath. The atmosphere is filled with
devotion, rituals, and cultural festivities as devotees express their reverence
for this divine figure and immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance of the
occasion.