In the heart of Satpala, a quaint village cradled by lush landscapes, an extraordinary event takes place annually that summons both the devout and the curious. This is the festival of the underground deity, Shri Mamavanti Devi, which is set to commence on May 15 and conclude on May 21.
The festival celebrates Shri Mamavanti Devi, a revered figure whose idol spends most of the year hidden beneath the earth, only to be brought to the surface for a week of veneration. This unique tradition captures the hearts of many, drawing visitors from all corners of the region.
The festival kicks off in the late afternoon of May 15. At exactly 5 PM, the village, usually quiet and serene, buzzes with the fervent energy of locals and visitors alike as they gather to witness the uplifting of the deity from her subterranean abode. This ceremony marks the beginning of a week filled with devotion, community, and cultural enrichment.
Following the emergence of the deity, the evening continues with the Satyanarayan Mahapuja, a significant ritual observed with great solemnity and reverence. The air fills with the scent of incense and sounds of chants, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. At 9 PM, the narrative of the deity’s greatness, the “Devi Mahatmya,” is shared among the attendees through a captivating storytelling session, followed by the Naradiya Kirtan on the life and works of saint Rakhma Kumbhar.
Each day of the festival is meticulously planned with various religious and cultural activities. Notable among these is the performance by Habhap Kailas Buva Khare from Pune, who graces the village on the second day to deliver a stirring rendition of devotional songs. As the week unfolds, the evenings are enriched with more spiritual and cultural programs. The third day features an Abhangvani presentation by the Hanuman Prasadal Bhajan Mandal from Navale, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
The weekend adds a health camp to the festival’s agenda, starting at 11 AM on Saturday. It’s an opportunity for villagers and guests to receive basic health check-ups and advice on wellness, reflecting the community’s focus on overall well-being. The cultural activities continue throughout the day with traditional rituals like Haldi-Kumkum, a ceremony that celebrates womanhood and community bonding, followed by another cultural program at 9 PM.
Sunday offers a grand feast known as Mahaprasad-Bhandara at 11 AM, where everyone, irrespective of social status or origin, sits together and shares a meal—a true testament to the festival’s spirit of unity and equality. The evening is reserved for a presentation on the religious history of Vasai, providing insights into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
As the festival nears its conclusion, the scholarly Vedmurti Dhananjayshastri Vaidya shares tales on Monday night of the historical contributions of Kshatriyas in Vasai, shedding light on the valor and heritage of the warriors of the past.
The final day, Tuesday, is marked by grandeur and celebration. At 5 PM, a majestic procession takes place, where the idol of Mamavanti Devi is paraded through the streets of Satpala. This procession is not just a ritual but a grand spectacle, featuring music, dance, and the rhythmic beats of drums, symbolizing the celebratory spirit of the festival. As the procession winds its way through the village, it draws a close to the spiritual week with a sense of fulfillment and reverence among the participants.
At 7 PM, the deity is respectfully returned to her underground sanctuary, where she will remain until the next year’s festival. This act of lowering the deity back into the earth is as significant as her emergence, symbolizing the cycle of life and nature’s enduring rhythms.
The Mamavanti Devi festival, with its unique blend of spirituality, tradition, and community engagement, encapsulates the essence of cultural preservation and communal harmony. It not only serves as a spiritual recharge for the devotees but also reinforces the bonds within the community, making it an eagerly awaited event in Satpala’s calendar.
