Jatra (जत्रा), in Indian religions, generally means an annual fair (festival) organized by village localites where they pilgrimage to holy places associated with Hindu epics, conduct various races (Sharyat) and call known ones to their place on a treat. A Jatra is desirable, but not obligatory, for a Hindu to perform it.
These Jatras are conducted in many villages of Kolhapur District and other parts of Maharashtra annually by its localites. One can go on a Jatra for a variety of reasons, including festivals, to perform rituals for one’s ancestors, or to obtain good karma. To traditional Hindus, the journey itself is as important as the destination, and the hardships of travel serve as an act of devotion in themselves. Visiting a sacred place is believed by the pilgrim to purify the self and bring one closer to the divine.
An similar Jatra was celebrated in Alabad village of Kolhapur District. There was rush of people gathered from all over nearby village and also from Kolhapur. Thousands of rupees were spent in this annual fair with thousands of people celebrating the Annual Yatra of their village with great enthusiasm.
Alabad is a small village in South Maharashtra near Lingnur-Kapshi(S) area. Here, Jatra is popular annual festival in the month of February every year. The temple here and surroundings are highly natural as well as ancient and peaceful. During this fair number of peoples from outside villages come for shopping. Also a small dam is built near the village.
In the first part of Jatra, worship and the ritual sacrifice of goats are performed, and in the second part, different races commonly called as ‘Sharyat’ including Horse race, Cycle race and Bullock cart race. This is the most entertaining part of the festival.
In the third and last part, the songs are recited with the performance of circle dance. It continues l
ate into the night. The songs are traditional as well as new and popular. The Jatra is a living tradition and all care should be taken to preserve its style in a rapidly changing society.
An intensely perfect blend of the vigorous Marathi soil, distinct Kolhapur culture, status and fiercely racing bullock-carts on a barren landscape was seen here. The entire being of the annual fair (Jatra) of this village is focused around only two things, the inspiring race of bullock-carts being conducted every year for earning the distinct honour and relatives of village residents coming to visit and having a treat with known ones.
