In the village of Pande, located in the Wai taluka, Satara district of Maharashtra state, a unique tradition that has existed for about 350 years is observed annually. This ritual is associated with the celebration of Deshahera and includes a prolonged fast.
Participants in the fast spend nine days standing, without sitting on the ground, and abstaining from salt, oil, and spicy seasonings. Even when feeling drowsy, they do not allow themselves to lie down on the ground. This unusual custom is maintained with deep faith in God.
During the 'Navaratri spent standing before Kal Bhairavanath,' between 350 and 400 devotees participate. Notably, this religious festival demonstrates an example of harmonious coexistence between Hindus and Muslims. Participants spend nine days standing, without wearing shoes, and without sleeping on the ground.
The devotees wear white clothes, use canes for support, and hold unwavering faith in Kal Bhairavanath. This atmosphere of reverence attracts all villagers. At night, rope swings are set up in the temple for rest, but participants do not break their vow by lying on the ground.
The uniqueness of this tradition is not limited to the strict fast. The Muslim community also participates in this festival alongside local Hindus. Thus, it presents a unique example of social harmony and mutual solidarity alongside religious faith. At night, the entire village is immersed in an atmosphere of devotion through traditional events such as singing hymns, kirtan, gondhal, and vagya-murli. On Ashtami night, vigil is kept, and on Navami day, consecration takes place, while Simolanjan tradition is celebrated on Vijayadashami.
The residents of Pande continue to pass on this centuries-old tradition to the next generation with complete devotion. Participants claim that their deep reverence for Kal Bhairavanath gives them confidence that God's grace will always be upon their families. It is because of this faith and piety that they continue to observe this custom. In this festival, Pande strengthens not only religious beliefs but also the culture, traditions, and social cohesion of the village.
On Vijayadashami, the direction for Simolanjan is determined after receiving the consecration. Then, the residents proceed to the village boundaries, where they exchange apta leaves. These leaves are considered a symbol of gold, and the 'gold looting' ritual is performed within this tradition. After this, the fasting participants conclude their fast, and this unusual fast comes to an end. It is said that time and generations have changed in this village, but the faith in Kal Bhairavanath and this 350-year-old tradition remain unchanged.