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Jotiba Yatra 2025 at Wadi Ratnagiri near Kolhapur in Maharashtra – Chaitra Jyotiba Yatra 2025 at Kolhapur

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Jotiba Yatra is annually held in Chaitra month to the famous Jyotiba Temple at Wadi Ratnagiri near Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Jyotiba temple is around 20 km from Kolhapur. Jotiba Yatra 2025 date is April 12. The three day fair and festival begins on April 10.

Story of Jyotiba Fair

Legend has it that after defeating Kolhasur, Goddess Lakshmi settled at Kolhapur and appointed four guards in four directions. Lord Jyotiba is the one who guards the southern direction. Another legend has it that Jyotiba is considered an incarnation of Kedarnath, who killed the demon Ratnasur. Sasan Kathis are the symbol of emancipation of the demon’s wife.

The most common belief is that Jyotiba is a manifestation of Lord Shiva.

Another belief in the area is that Jyotiba is a combined manifestation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.



The Rituals

Thousands of people from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka participate in the annual yatra.

The main attraction of the yatra is the palkhi of the deity.  During Jyotiba’s palkhi, ‘gulal’ is showered all around and the entire area gets a pink hue.

The procession of the Sasan Kathis – decorated long bamboos sticks of nearly 50 feet, which devotees carry on their shoulders – is the main attraction of the yatra

'Jotibachya Navane Changbhala' - is the popular chant on the occasion.

An important ritual is breaking of coconut in front of Kal Bhairav murti.

Wish Fulfilling Deity

Wishes put forwarded at the shrine are always answered. After the wish is completed, people return to the shrine and make the offering promised.

Newly married couple pray at the shrine as it is believed that it brings good luck, healthy children and harmony in married life.


When is Jyotiba Fair Observed?

 Jotiba Yatra is annually observed on Chaitra Purnima Tithi or the full moon day as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra. It is a three day fair and begins on Chaitra Shukla Paksha Trayodashi or the thirteenth day during the waxing phase of moon as per traditional Marathi calendar followed in Maharashtra.