The Kawad pilgrimage tradition in Akola, Maharashtra, which is about 80 years old, continues with the same splendor. Holy water from the Purna River, located about 20 kilometers from Akola in Gandhigram, is brought to offer to the Shivling of Rajarajeshwara Maharaj. The largest Kawad in the country, consisting of 1100 pots, was sent as part of this tradition. This massive procession, weighing between two and two and a half tons, will be carried by two to two and a half thousand pilgrims.
The pilgrimage procession, accompanied by music from drums, tashas, bands, and DJs, demonstrates the great enthusiasm of the devotees. Atul Yedne, chairman of the 1100-pot Kawad group, stated that this is the largest Kawad in Akola and that this tradition has existed for about 80 years. Every year they bring holy water from the Purna River to offer to Rajarajeshwara Maharaj. He also noted that farmers and common people are concerned about the lack of rain this year, and they pray to Bole Baba for timely good rains and prosperity for all.
Every year on the last Monday of the Shravan month, more than 150 small and large Kawads, as well as about 200 palanquins participate here. According to the Marathi calendar, the last Monday of the Sawan month falls in the week after the last Monday of the Hindu calendar. Thus, the last Monday of the Shravan month in Maharashtra falls on September 7, 2026. Pilgrims from various parts of the country, including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh, come to this festival to witness this grand Kawad procession.
This majestic Kawad procession from Akola has already headed to Gandhigram. After the night march, the bathing of Lord Shiva will take place in the temple of Rajarajeshwara Maharaj on Monday morning. Thousands of pilgrims will participate in this great gathering of faith and pray to Bolenate for good rain and prosperity for the farmers.