Standing Navratri: Satara villagers maintain 350-year tradition
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
In Pande village, Satara district, India, around 100 men observe Ubhyachi Navratra, a nine-day vow where participants remain standing to honor Lord Kalbhairavnath.
Devotees take this vow to fulfill wishes or express gratitude, with many families ensuring at least one member participates each year and committing to repeat the practice for several years. The Navratkaris, aged 18 to 65, cannot sit or sleep on the ground, instead leaning on hammocks called chauphala while keeping one foot planted.
Participants observe strict rules including a fast from oil, salt, and chilli, and they must remain within the village borders throughout the nine days. Those who accidentally sit must restart the vow after confessing to a priest, as villagers believe concealing a mistake can lead to illness. Beyond the physical demands, the ritual fosters community.
Hindus and Muslims participate together, and villagers working away from home, like BSF commando Kishor Jadhav who travels from Meghalaya, a state in India, prioritize attending over other festivals. However, the tradition includes a custom requiring women who menstruate during the nine days to temporarily relocate, a practice village leaders say is intended to reduce their workload.
