Nath Shashti Festival 2023: Paithan’s Festival Which Is Believed To Be Attended By Lord Krishna Himself

The Nath Shashti Festival is considered to be one of the most important festivals in Marathwada. It is based at Paithan in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district. The celebrations of the Nath Shashti Festival 2023 have already begun. The annual mega event holds a lot of religious and emotional importance in the lives of the people here. It is believed that Lord Krishna himself attends this festival. 

Nath Shashti Festival 2023

Nath Shashti is also known as Eknath Shashti or Sant Eknath Shashti. The Nath Shashti festival is held on the day when Sant Eknath took Jal samadhi in the Godavari river in Paithan. It is believed that Lord Krishna himself used to fill the Ranjan (earthen pot or jar) at Sant Eknath Maharaj’s place with water from the Godavari river. 

Hence, the same sacred Ranjan is worshipped and filled with water. This is how the festival officially started. On Thursday, Nath descendant Habhap Raosaheb Maharaj Gosavi performed a ritualistic pooja of the Ranjan in the Tukaram beej mahurat. Devotees started filling the pot soon after the rituals were completed. One can see a huge crowd of devotees flocking in to fill the pot. 

It is believed that Lord Krishna attends this festival every year, especially when the Ranjan falls. The villagers say that he appears in any form. The person who fills the Ranjan is believed to be Lord Krishna and is honoured by the Nath descendants. The main ceremony will be completed between March 13 and 15.

 Also Read: From Driving Rick To Tempering Khichdi To Meeting Dignitaries, Here is A Peek Into Bill Gates’s India Diaries

Lakhs Of Pilgrims And Devotees Flock In

To celebrate the Nath Shashti Festival, lakhs of pilgrims and devotees come to Paithan from the entire state. Warkaris immerse themselves in the devotion of Nath and come to Paithan by staying in Rahutyas (small tents) in different parts of the state on their way. 

 This year, the fear of unseasonal rain is hovering over everyone, as many parts of Maharashtra faced unseasonal rains. But this is surely not going to stop the devotees and pilgrims from meeting their god. 

 Paithan Nagar Parishad’s chief officer, Santosh Agle, has informed them that they are prepared for the rains. He said that the administration has already reserved 36 places in schools, colleges, mangal offices, Santhpeeth, government offices, and more for Warkaris. 

Also Read: Maharashtra Budget 2023: Tent Cities, Annual Festival Calendars,And More. Here Are The Plans Chalked For Tourism

Have you ever been a part of this festival? Let us know below!

Cover Image Courtesy: