Grand Rathotsav of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Celebrated with Devotion and Enthusiasm
Thousands of devotees participate in Maha Rath Yatra on the occasion of the 355th Aradhana Mahotsav
Pune: A grand Maha Rath Yatra was organised in Pune on the occasion of the 355th Aradhana Mahotsav of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. The procession witnessed the participation of thousands of devotees and was marked by a deeply spiritual and devotional atmosphere.
The beautifully decorated chariot, adorned with colourful flowers and carrying a silver idol of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, moved through the streets amid the fragrance of incense and aarti, chanting of sacred mantras, traditional musical performances, showers of gulal and intricately designed rangolis. The devotional chants and enthusiastic participation of devotees attracted considerable attention.
The 355th Aradhana Mahotsav of Sri Raghavendra Swamy was organised at the Varadendra Sri Raghavendra Swamy Math in Sadashiv Peth from August 29 to 31, 2026. As part of the celebrations, the Maha Rath Yatra commenced from the Raghavendra Swamy Math on Laxmi Road. Hundreds of devotees dressed in traditional attire participated in the procession.
The Nagarkar Chowghada musical troupe led the procession, followed by the Shri Krishna Band. Devotional songs played during the procession further enhanced the spiritual atmosphere. Devotees raised slogans in praise of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and chanted sacred mantras while showering gulal, turning Laxmi Road into a vibrant devotional spectacle.
The religious celebrations were organised under the guidance of the Varadendra Sri Raghavendra Swamy Math and on behalf of Jagadguru Sriman Madhwacharya Moola Mahasansthanam, Nanjangud. Various religious rituals, including Dhwajarohan, Pran Pratishtha, Shakotsav, Dhandhanya Puja and Lakshmi Puja, were conducted during the festival. Rigvediya Upakarma and Yajurvediya Upakarma were also performed as part of the Upakarma programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Math Manager Shri Dattatraya Joshi Guruji said that legendary musicians such as Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, music exponent Kishori Amonkar and Raghunandan Panshikar were devotees of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and had served the saint through their music. He said that, like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the number of followers of Sri Raghavendra Swamy is also growing in Maharashtra.
“The Raghavendra Swamy Math in Pune has a history spanning nearly 250 years. The Aradhana Mahotsav is organised with the objective of spreading the teachings and message of Sri Raghavendra Swamy far and wide,” Joshi Guruji said.
A variety of religious services were conducted throughout the three-day Aradhana Mahotsav, including Suprabhat Seva, Panchamrit Abhishek, Utsavaraya Padyapuja, Kanak Maha Puja, Alankar Seva, Hastodak, Maha Mangalarati and distribution of Teertha Prasad.
On the concluding evening, five Swastivachans, Dolotsav and Maha Mangalarati were performed. Cultural programmes were also given a special place during the celebrations. A Dasavani programme featuring Anand Bhimsen Joshi and Kumari Sujata Devan was organised as part of the festival.