View allAll Photos Tagged saswad
A distinctive looking bunting around 15-16 cms long and found in rocky habitats in parts of Northern, Western and Central India. The bird is rare pretty in much of South India though. They are also found in a large range across China and South Asia as per ebird.
The bird is impossible to miss since the colors are quite unique and distinctive. It prefers rocky terrain and is usually found on the slopes foraging on the ground looking for grain. The female too has a crest though it is much smaller, and the overall body color is a dull olive color.
We were quite excited to see the bird since it is quite rare in our state and there are only a handful of sightings. Luckily, we also got great shots and spent a good time with the bird.
Many thanks in advance for your likes and feedback. Much appreciated.
A distinctive looking bunting around 15-16 cms long and found in rocky habitats in parts of Northern, Western and Central India. The bird is rare pretty in much of South India though. They are also found in a large range across China and South Asia as per ebird.
The bird is impossible to miss since the colors are quite unique and distinctive. It prefers rocky terrain and is usually found on the slopes foraging on the ground looking for grain. The female too has a crest though it is much smaller, and the overall body color is a dull olive color.
We sighted the bird on some rocky terrain and spent a bit of time hearing its calls and watching it forage in the bush. This is the nesting season and hence the birds are quite audible. It was taking off from the rocks and flying to a bush around 20 feet away hunting insects and coming back again to the same place. Suspect it was building a nest, but we couldn't sight one.
Many thanks in advance for your likes and feedback. Much appreciated.
A distinctive looking bunting around 15-16 cms long and found in rocky habitats in parts of Northern, Western and Central India. The bird is rare pretty in much of South India though. They are also found in a large range across China and South Asia as per ebird.
The bird is impossible to miss since the colors are quite unique and distinctive. It prefers rocky terrain and is usually found on the slopes foraging on the ground looking for grain. The female too has a crest though it is much smaller, and the overall body color is a dull olive color.
There was a sunflower farm with millets in between and we found a pair - male and female foraging in them. Sometimes, they preferred the millet, but other times, the birds landed on the ground between the rows of sunflower plants and foraged on the ground. I wanted a shot of the bird with sunflower behind, but that wasn't meant to be.
Many thanks in advance for your likes and feedback. Much appreciated.
The only member of the Hanging Parrot / Lorikeet species in India. They are small - maybe around 14-15 cms long, have no tail and the beak is pretty small. The birds are often seen around fruiting trees in small groups of 2-3 usually.
The birds are resident birds in the country and they are found in parts of South India and Himalayan regions, but common across much of South East Asia.
We travelled to the western side of India for 2 days to visit a farm in the countryside where several of these birds make a visit every year. That organic farm hosts these Rosefinches along with Vernal Hanging parrots, Crested Buntings and other Minivets. For 3 months, the crop is laid just for these birds and is eaten by the birds entirely. In fact, 2 rounds of crop is laid for the birds. By the end of October, the birds disperse all over the countryside.
Thanks so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves. Much appreciated.
A distinctive looking bunting around 15-16 cms long and found in rocky habitats in parts of Northern, Western and Central India. The bird is rare pretty in much of South India though. They are also found in a large range across China and South Asia as per ebird.
The bird is impossible to miss since the colors are quite unique and distinctive. It prefers rocky terrain and is usually found on the slopes foraging on the ground looking for grain. The female too has a crest though it is much smaller, and the overall body color is a dull olive color.
We were quite excited to see the bird since it is quite rare in our state and there are only a handful of sightings. Luckily, we also got great shots and spent a good time with the bird.
Many thanks in advance for your likes and feedback. Much appreciated.
The only member of the Hanging Parrot / Lorikeet species in India. They are small - maybe around 14-15 cms long, have no tail and the beak is pretty small. The birds are often seen around fruiting trees in small groups of 2-3 usually.
The birds are resident birds in the country and they are found in parts of South India and Himalayan regions, but common across much of South East Asia.
These parrots along with wide variety of frugivorous birds prefer millet and hence birders often keep a watch on these crops in the countryside. The birds were a regular for a few months and were seen daily early mornings and late evenings. Between the period, they would dart off to the thick canopy on the hillock adjacent to the fields.
Thanks so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves. Much appreciated.
The only member of the Hanging Parrot / Lorikeet species in India. They are small - maybe around 14-15 cms long, have no tail and with a rather small beak. The birds are often seen around fruiting trees in small groups of 2-3. These are resident birds in the country and found in parts of South India and Himalayan regions, but common across much of South East Asia.
Last year we travelled to the western side of India for 2 days to visit a farm in the countryside where several of these birds make a visit every year. That organic farm hosts these Rosefinches along with Vernal Hanging parrots, Crested Buntings and other Minivets. For 3 months, the crop is laid just for these birds and is eaten by the birds entirely. In fact, 2 rounds of crop is laid for the birds. By the end of October, the birds disperse all over the countryside.
Thanks so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves. Much appreciated.
One of my target birds for few years now, finally got the pictures I wanted. This is a migratory visitor from the foothills of Himalayas to South India. The male is quite easy to identify since its the only pink bird we see in our region and quite beautiful in its breeding plumage. The female is quite brown and barely has shades of pink on it.
The Winter migration is underway in many parts of the country and we are seeing signs of a good winter. These Rosefinches after a long journey need the food and millet farms like the one we visited are a preferred place for them.
Thank you so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves.
A common colorful bird found across the country in a variety of habitats. These are small birds maybe around 10-15 cms and always seen in small groups. I love these birds and would never miss an opportunity to shoot them!
They are quite common in forests / thick wooded areas in the countryside, especially in areas with lots of flowers or small berry type of fruiting plants - these berries are very small, less than a little fingernail size and are quite popular with small birds. The place we visited had a few of these plants and flowering trees - many of them were blooming at that time , so these small birds had a good time there with easy availability of food. They just needed to watch out for the monkeys , Kingfishers, Shikra's and other predators though.
Thanks in advance for your views and feedback Much appreciated.
A distinctive looking bunting around 15-16 cms long and found in rocky habitats in parts of Northern, Western and Central India. The bird is rare pretty in much of South India though. They are also found in a large range across China and South Asia as per ebird.
The bird is impossible to miss since the colors are quite unique and distinctive. It prefers rocky terrain and is usually found on the slopes foraging on the ground looking for grain. The female too has a crest though it is much smaller, and the overall body color is a dull olive color.
There was a sunflower farm with millets in between and we found a pair - male and female foraging in them. Sometimes, they preferred the millet, but other times, the birds landed on the ground between the rows of sunflower plants and foraged on the ground. I wanted a shot of the bird with sunflower behind, but that wasn't meant to be.
Many thanks in advance for your likes and feedback. Much appreciated.
The only member of the Hanging Parrot / Lorikeet species in India. They are small - maybe around 14-15 cms long, have no tail and the beak is pretty small. The birds are often seen around fruiting trees in small groups of 2-3 usually.
The birds are resident birds in the country and they are found in parts of South India and Himalayan regions, but common across much of South East Asia.
These parrots along with wide variety of frugivorous birds prefer millet and hence birders often keep a watch on these crops in the countryside. The birds were a regular for a few months and were seen daily early mornings and late evenings. Between the period, they would dart off to the thick canopy on the hillock adjacent to the fields.
Thanks so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves. Much appreciated.
A distinctive looking bunting around 15-16 cms long and found in rocky habitats in parts of Northern, Western and Central India. The bird is rare pretty in much of South India though. They are also found in a large range across China and South East Asia as per ebird.
This is the male and is impossible to miss since the colors are quite unique and distinctive. It prefers rocky terrain and is usually found on the slopes foraging on the ground looking for grain. The female too has a crest though it is much smaller, and the overall body color is a dull olive color.
We were quite excited to see the bird since it is quite rare in our state and there are only a handful of sightings. Luckily, we also got great shots and spent a good time with the bird.
Many thanks in advance for your likes and feedback. Much appreciated.
A migratory visitor from the foothills of Himalayas to South India, they are beautiful birds in gorgeous deep pink / red shade - especially the males. It is the only pink bird we see in our region and quite beautiful in its breeding plumage. The female is brown and barely has shades of pink on it, and confusing to id at times.
We travelled to the western side of India for 2 days to visit a farm in the countryside where several of these birds make a visit every year. That organic farm hosts these Rosefinches along with Vernal Hanging parrots, Crested Buntings and other Minivets. For 3 months, the crop is laid just for these birds and is eaten by the birds entirely. In fact, 2 rounds of crop is laid for the birds. By the end of October, the birds disperse all over the countryside.
The Winter migration is underway in many parts of the country and we are seeing signs of a good winter. These Rosefinches after a long journey need the food and the farm is an easy place for them.
Thank you so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves.
A distinctive looking bunting around 15-16 cms long and found in rocky habitats in parts of Northern, Western and Central India. The bird is rare pretty in much of South India though. They are also found in a large range across China and South Asia as per ebird.
The bird is impossible to miss since the colors are quite unique and distinctive. It prefers rocky terrain and is usually found on the slopes foraging on the ground looking for grain. The female too has a crest though it is much smaller, and the overall body color is a dull olive color.
There was a sunflower farm with millets in between and we found a pair - male and female foraging in them. Sometimes, they preferred the millet, but other times, the birds landed on the ground between the rows of sunflower plants and foraged on the ground. I wanted a shot of the bird with sunflower behind, but that wasn't meant to be.
Many thanks in advance for your likes and feedback. Much appreciated.
The only member of the Hanging Parrot / Lorikeet species in India. They are small - maybe around 14-15 cms long, have no tail and the beak is pretty small. The birds are often seen around fruiting trees in small groups of 2-3 usually.
The birds are resident birds in the country and they are found in parts of South India and Himalayan regions, but common across much of South East Asia.
We travelled to the western side of India for 2 days to visit a farm in the countryside where several of these birds make a visit every year. That organic farm hosts these Rosefinches along with Vernal Hanging parrots, Crested Buntings and other Minivets. For 3 months, the crop is laid just for these birds and is eaten by the birds entirely. In fact, 2 rounds of crop is laid for the birds. By the end of October, the birds disperse all over the countryside.
Thanks so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves. Much appreciated.
A distinctive looking bunting around 15-16 cms long and found in rocky habitats in parts of Northern, Western and Central India. The bird is rare pretty in much of South India though. They are also found in a large range across China and South Asia per ebird.
The bird is impossible to miss since the colors are quite unique and distinctive. It prefers rocky terrain and is usually found on the slopes foraging on the ground looking for grain. The female too has a crest though it is much smaller, and the overall body color is a dull olive color.
We were quite excited to see the bird since it is quite rare in our state and there are only a handful of sightings. Luckily, we got great shots and spent a good time with the cooperative bird.
Many thanks in advance for your likes and feedback. Much appreciated.
A distinctive looking bunting around 15-16 cms long and found in rocky habitats in parts of Northern, Western and Central India. The bird is rare pretty in much of South India though. They are also found in a large range across China and South East Asia as per ebird.
This is the female and its not as colorful as the male which is impossible to miss since the colors are quite unique and distinctive. It prefers rocky terrain and is usually found on the slopes foraging on the ground looking for grain. The female too has a crest though it is much smaller, and the overall body color is a dull olive color.
We were quite excited to see the bird since it is quite rare in our state and there are only a handful of sightings. Luckily, we also got great shots and spent a good time with the bird.
Many thanks in advance for your likes and feedback. Much appreciated.
A beautiful small minivet ~15cms long with a very limited range across the country. We sighted both the male and female last week while on a trip to the western side of the country.
The White Bellied Minivet is an endemic bird to the country and many aspects of the bird are still unclear. What we do know is that it is found in scrub jungles on the edges of forests and thought to prefer wet moist conditions. The breeding season is around July - Sept - during the rainy season when they nest.
We travelled to the western side of India for 2 days to visit a farm in the countryside where several of these birds make a visit every year. That organic farm was developed by a teenager who found a way to supplement his income by opening his farm to visitors who want to see these birds. He lays 2-3 crops - usually Millet, Sunflower and some pulses - all organic at one time. Several birds come to feed on these crops. By the end of October, the nesting season is done and hence birds disperse all over the countryside.
Thanks in advance for your views and feedback. Much appreciated.
One of my target birds for few years now, finally got the pictures I wanted. This is a migratory visitor from the foothills of Himalayas to South India. The male is quite easy to identify since its the only pink bird we see in our region and quite beautiful in its breeding plumage. The female is quite brown and barely has shades of pink on it.
Last year we travelled to the western side of India for 2 days to visit a farm in the countryside where several of these birds make a visit every year. That organic farm hosts these Rosefinches along with Vernal Hanging parrots, Crested Buntings and other Minivets. For 3 months, the crop is laid just for these birds and is eaten by the birds entirely. In fact, 2 rounds of crop is laid for the birds. By the end of October, the birds disperse all over the countryside.
Thank you so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves.
A distinctive looking bunting around 15-16 cms long and found in rocky habitats in parts of Northern, Western and Central India. The bird is rare pretty in much of South India though. They are also found in a large range across China and South Asia as per ebird.
The bird is impossible to miss since the colors are quite unique and distinctive. It prefers rocky terrain and is usually found on the slopes foraging on the ground looking for grain. The female too has a crest though it is much smaller, and the overall body color is a dull olive color.
We sighted the bird on some rocky terrain and spent a bit of time hearing its calls and watching it forage in the bush. This is the nesting season and hence the birds are quite audible. It was taking off from the rocks and flying to a bush around 20 feet away hunting insects and coming back again to the same place. Suspect it was building a nest, but we couldn't sight one.
Many thanks in advance for your likes and feedback. Much appreciated.
A pretty rare warbler endemic to the Western Ghats of India - the mountain range along the western coast of India. They are found on the moist grassy highlands foraging / nesting on the slopes. The birds have a very small range and are considered vulnerable due to the fast disappearing grasslands.
Any sighting of this bird is considered rare and we were lucky to have sighed both the male and female. The birds were nesting and we found them continuously supplying food / insects to the chicks. For over 2 hours we watched them in this exercise. The nest was laid around a few inches above the ground - a cup of grass arranged in a circular fashion. But the chicks were underneath this grass and not on top of it. The parents get into the nest from the side from about half a feet away through the grass. It was a fantastic camouflage and the nest always appears empty. I suspect predators like snakes, mongoose etc.. can easily get to it - though I am not sure if either of them are found in that area.
Many thanks in advance for your views and feedback - much appreciated.
A Beautiful small minivet ~15cms long with a very limited range across the country. This is an endemic bird to the country and many aspects of the bird are not well researched. These are found in a particular location near my city during the months of July - Sept - during the rainy season when they nest.
It is found in scrub jungles on the edges of forests and thought to prefer wet moist conditions. It is one of the smallest minivets we have in the country.
We travelled to the western side of India for 2 days to visit a farm in the countryside where several of these birds make a visit every year. That organic farm hosts these minivets along with Rosefinches, Vernal Hanging parrots, Crested Buntings and other birds. For 3 months, the crop is laid just for these birds and is eaten by the birds entirely. In fact, 2 rounds of crop is laid for the birds. By the end of October, the birds disperse all over the countryside.
Thanks in advance for your views and feedback. Much appreciated.
A resident bird in the country found around rocky terrain and dry areas in parts of western India. They are common around the city of Pune and in Gujarat, Rajasthan, while in the rest of the country, they are rare and occasional visitors.
This is a small bird, maybe around 12-13 cms and quite a beautiful one to look at. Named after the black Striolations on the face, both male and female sport them, though the female striolations are a tad lighter and paler.
We sighted around half a dozen of them at various places - always in rocky slopes and foraging on the ground looking for grains, seeds, small flowers or grass heads.
Thanks in advance for your views and faves - appreciate the feedback!
A resident bird in the country found around rocky terrain and dry areas in parts of western India. They are common around the city of Pune and in Gujarat, Rajasthan, while in the rest of the country, they are rare and occasional visitors.
This is a small bird, maybe around 12-13 cms and quite a beautiful one to look at. Named after the black Striolations on the face, both male and female sport them, though the female striolations are a tad lighter and paler.
We sighted around half a dozen of them at various places - always in rocky slopes and foraging on the ground looking for grains, seeds, small flowers or grass heads.
Thanks in advance for your views and faves - appreciate the feedback!
A passerine bird in the bunting family, this is a resident bird in the country found around rocky terrain and dry areas. They are common around the city of Pune and in Gujarat, Rajasthan, while the rest of the country, they are rare and occasional visitors.
This is a small bird, maybe around 12-13 cms and quite a beautiful one to look at. Named after the black striolations on the face, both male and female sport them, though the female striolations are a tad lighter and paler.
We sighted around half a dozen of them at various places - always in rocky slopes and foraging on the ground looking for grains, seeds, small flowers or grass heads. Apparently, these birds are found away from human settlements - something we could see.
Thanks in advance for your views and faves - appreciate the feedback!
A migratory visitor from the foothills of Himalayas to South India, they are beautiful birds in gorgeous deep pink / red shade - especially the males. It is the only pink bird we see in our region and quite beautiful in its breeding plumage. The female is brown and barely has shades of pink on it, and confusing to id at times.
We travelled to the western side of India for 2 days to visit a farm in the countryside where several of these birds make a visit every year. That organic farm hosts these Rosefinches along with Vernal Hanging parrots, Crested Buntings and other Minivets. For 3 months, the crop is laid just for these birds and is eaten by the birds entirely. In fact, 2 rounds of crop is laid for the birds. By the end of October, the birds disperse all over the countryside.
The Winter migration is underway in many parts of the country and we are seeing signs of a good winter. These Rosefinches after a long journey need the food and the farm is an easy place for them.
Thank you so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striolated_bunting
The striolated bunting (Emberiza striolata) is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae, a group now separated by most modern authors from the finches, Fringillidae.
Distribution and habitat
It is a resident breeder of dry country from the Canary Islands, east through south-west Asia to north-western India.[2]
It breeds in remote wadis (not around human habitation like the related house bunting), usually close to streams, laying two to four eggs in a nest on the ground or in a hole in the ground.[2] Its natural food consists of seeds, or when feeding young, insects.
Description
It is 14 cm long, similar in size to the house bunting and smaller than the similarly plumaged rock bunting. The breeding male has a chestnut body, and grey head with darker streaking and a white supercilium and moustachial streak. The female's head has a brown tint to the grey, and more diffused streaking.
The striolated bunting has stronger facial striping and a paler belly than the north African house bunting, which used to be considered conspecific as the subspecies E. striolata sahari.[3][4] Birds in eastern Chad (E. striolata jebelmarrae) show some evidence of intergradation with the house bunting.[2]
The song, given from a perch, is similar, but weaker than, that of the common chaffinch.
Behaviour
Breeding
The breeding range of the bird in India has been noted in recent times to include more southerly locations such as near Saswad near Pune. The incubation period of the clutch of three eggs is 14 days.
The only member of the Hanging Parrot / Lorikeet species in India. They are small - maybe around 14-15 cms long, have no tail and the beak is pretty small. The birds are often seen around fruiting trees in small groups of 2-3 usually.
The birds are resident birds in the country and they are found in parts of South India and Himalayan regions, but common across much of South East Asia.
We travelled to the western side of India for 2 days to visit a farm in the countryside where several of these birds make a visit every year. That organic farm hosts these Rosefinches along with Vernal Hanging parrots, Crested Buntings and other Minivets. For 3 months, the crop is laid just for these birds and is eaten by the birds entirely. In fact, 2 rounds of crop is laid for the birds. By the end of October, the birds disperse all over the countryside.
Thanks so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves. Much appreciated.
"Shrinath Veer Mhaskoba" is one of the forms of Lord Shiva. It is a worshiped by the Shepard community in the West Maharashtra region. The villagers of "Veer' Village near Saswad town of Pune Dist. People from the region gather at the Temple for the God's Marriage & thecelebration goes on for 10 days. On the Marriage day, The Lord enters the Temple in a PALANQUIN & the Cerebration of God's arrival starts with throwing the Red Colour & Flowers from all around. It is a unique experience.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striolated_bunting
The striolated bunting (Emberiza striolata) is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae, a group now separated by most modern authors from the finches, Fringillidae.
Distribution and habitat
It is a resident breeder of dry country from the Canary Islands, east through south-west Asia to north-western India.[2]
It breeds in remote wadis (not around human habitation like the related house bunting), usually close to streams, laying two to four eggs in a nest on the ground or in a hole in the ground.[2] Its natural food consists of seeds, or when feeding young, insects.
Description
It is 14 cm long, similar in size to the house bunting and smaller than the similarly plumaged rock bunting. The breeding male has a chestnut body, and grey head with darker streaking and a white supercilium and moustachial streak. The female's head has a brown tint to the grey, and more diffused streaking.
The striolated bunting has stronger facial striping and a paler belly than the north African house bunting, which used to be considered conspecific as the subspecies E. striolata sahari.[3][4] Birds in eastern Chad (E. striolata jebelmarrae) show some evidence of intergradation with the house bunting.[2]
The song, given from a perch, is similar, but weaker than, that of the common chaffinch.
Behaviour
Breeding
The breeding range of the bird in India has been noted in recent times to include more southerly locations such as near Saswad near Pune. The incubation period of the clutch of three eggs is 14 days.
Shot as is taken at Saswad on the way to Veer Dam.
Shot with Nikon D40, Sigma 70-300 Manual focus, Hand held
The Steppe Eagle, a majestic raptor perfectly adapted to the vast expanses of grasslands, epitomizes the spirit of the open skies. With a wingspan that can reach up to 7 feet, adorned in hues of brown and cream, this avian marvel navigates the windswept plains with unparalleled grace.
Ideally suited for life on the grasslands, the Steppe Eagle preys on rodents and small mammals that thrive in the sea of grass beneath. Its keen eyesight, powerful talons, and robust wings make it an apex predator, effortlessly gliding over the undulating terrain in search of sustenance.
However, the Steppe Eagle is an endangered species and faces a formidable adversities in the form of rapidly expanding agriculture and diminishing grassland footprints. As human populations burgeon, the demand for arable land intensifies, encroaching upon the eagle's once vast hunting grounds. The conversion of grasslands into croplands poses a dual threat — not only does it reduce the available prey for the Steppe Eagle, but it also diminishes the quality of its nesting sites, further jeopardizing its survival.
As the perilous balance between agriculture and wildlife conservation unfolds on the stage of the grasslands, and the Steppe Eagle symbolises this delicate equilibrium. The shrinking habitats and the depletion of prey populations paint a precarious future for these magnificent birds, urging us to reevaluate our relationship with the land.
In our shared quest for sustenance, it is imperative that we tread lightly on the grasslands, recognizing the intrinsic value of preserving these ecosystems not only for the Steppe Eagle but for the countless other species that call these expansive landscapes home. As stewards of the Earth, we must navigate the delicate balance between progress and preservation, ensuring that the Steppe Eagle continues to soar across the boundless skies of the grasslands.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striolated_bunting
The striolated bunting (Emberiza striolata) is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae, a group now separated by most modern authors from the finches, Fringillidae.
Distribution and habitat
It is a resident breeder of dry country from the Canary Islands, east through south-west Asia to north-western India.[2]
It breeds in remote wadis (not around human habitation like the related house bunting), usually close to streams, laying two to four eggs in a nest on the ground or in a hole in the ground.[2] Its natural food consists of seeds, or when feeding young, insects.
Description
It is 14 cm long, similar in size to the house bunting and smaller than the similarly plumaged rock bunting. The breeding male has a chestnut body, and grey head with darker streaking and a white supercilium and moustachial streak. The female's head has a brown tint to the grey, and more diffused streaking.
The striolated bunting has stronger facial striping and a paler belly than the north African house bunting, which used to be considered conspecific as the subspecies E. striolata sahari.[3][4] Birds in eastern Chad (E. striolata jebelmarrae) show some evidence of intergradation with the house bunting.[2]
The song, given from a perch, is similar, but weaker than, that of the common chaffinch.
Behaviour
Breeding
The breeding range of the bird in India has been noted in recent times to include more southerly locations such as near Saswad near Pune. The incubation period of the clutch of three eggs is 14 days.
"Shrinath Veer Mhaskoba" is one of the forms of Lord Shiva. It is a worshiped by the Shepard community in the West Maharashtra region. The villagers of "Veer' Village near Saswad town of Pune Dist., people from the region gather at the Temple for the God's Marriage & thecelebration goes on for 10 days. On the Marriage day, The Lord enters the Temple in a PALANQUIN & the
Cerebration of God's arrival starts with throwing the Red Colour & Flowers from all around. It is a unique experience.
The photo story that I am presenting is from a village called Veer which is 26 kms from a well-known village called Saswad near Pune. It is based on a very famous village deity called Shrinath Mhaskoba and the yearly festival that ensues during this time. This deity is the Kaal Bhairava avatar of the Hindu deity ‘Shiva’. The community called Dhangar popularized the worshipping of Kaal Bhairava through Shrinath Mhaskoba.
This festival witnesses the marriage of two gods; Mhaskoba and Mata Jogeshwari. A congregation of devotees from a village called Kodit near Saswad walk on foot covering a distance of 30 kms carrying a Palkhi towards the village called Veer. The marriage is carried out according to Hindu customs and is celebrated for around 11 days and nights. This festival attracts Palkhis from all over the nearby regions including Kodit, Kanheri, Rajewadi, Bhondwewadi, Pune Kasba Peth, Wai and Sonwadi. These groups amounting to lakhs of people celebrate the marriage ceremony with fervour.
This 10-day festival attracts around 10 to 15 lakh devotees who gather in the temple at Kondit. Some devotees stay for 10 days with their families in the village itself to contribute to the service of the marriage. Some devotees maintain their traditional roots by travelling in a bullock cart to the village and cook their meals on a traditional ‘chuul’ which is a makeshift stove. I found the devotion in the people for traditional rites most interesting during my time at the village.
The guard-fleet of the gods marshal during the night and day. The excitement never dies down in the course of this 10-day festival. The fleet of the gods perform a dance form each day of the festival which compels watchers to stop in their tracks and admire with fascination. There is a participation of all kinds of devotees in these performances including children as well as old devotees. The devotees carry out these activities with utmost sincerity and discipline. This festival is famous for the red colour that is strewn around everywhere during the festivities called Bhandara. ‘Savai sarjachya navani changbhala’ or ‘ Shrinath Mhaskoba Navane changbhala’ are the chants that the devotees shout while tossing the red colour in the air. The amount of colour used in this festival is measured in tonnes. Every year, a different family is chosen to carry out the festivities for the deities. There is no discrimination based on religion while choosing these families. The traditions call for some specific families to be chosen for this festival based on authority.
After the 5th day of the yatra, there is a ceremony called ‘Bhaknuk’ where it is believed that their deity assumes a devotee’s body and communicates with the rest of the devotees about predictions based on rain, prosperity and ups and downs for the village. There is a lot of excitement to attend this ceremony from the villagers especially the farmers. When the deity is believed to have entered the body of the devotee, they perform astonishing stunts with swords.
"Shrinath Veer Mhaskoba" is one of the forms of Lord Shiva. It is a worshiped by the Shepard community in the West Maharashtra region. The villagers of "Veer' Village near Saswad town of Pune Dist., people from the region gather at the Temple for the God's Marriage & thecelebration goes on for 10 days. On the Marriage day, The Lord enters the Temple in a PALANQUIN & theCerebration of God's arrival starts with throwing the Red Colour & Flowers from all around. It is a unique experience.
This old church on the top of the mountain at Fort Purundar. There is another old church in the background.
Varkari (वारकरी) is a religious movement (sampraday) within the bhakti spiritual tradition of Hinduism. It is geographically associated with the Indian states of Maharashtra and northern Karnataka. In the Marathi language of Maharashtra, vari (वारी) means 'pilgrimage' and a pilgrim is called a varkari. Every year, Varkari walk hundreds of miles to the holy town of Pandharpur, gathering there on ekadashi (the 11th day) of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Aashaadha (which falls sometime in July). Another pilgrimage is celebrated on the ekadashi of the month of Kartik (which falls sometime in November).
Varkaris worship Vithoba (also known as Vitthal), the presiding deity of Pandharpur, who is identified with Krishna, an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu. Because of this association with Vishnu, Varkari is a branch of Vaishnavism. The teachers responsible for establishing and supporting the movement through its history include Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, Chokhamela and Eknath, who are accorded the Marathi title of Sant (Saint). Varkari making the pilgrimage to Pandharpur carry the palkhis (palanquins) of the saints from their places of samadhi (enlightenment or "spiritual birth"). According to historians, Vitthal devotees were holding pilgrimages prior even to Saint Dnyaneshwar of the 13th century. However, the current tradition of carrying the paduka (sandals) of the saints in a palkhi was started by the youngest son of Sant Tukaram, Narayan Maharaj, in 1685. Further changes were brought in by Haibatraobuwa and descendents of Sant Tukaram in the 1820s. Today about 40 palkhis of saints from all over Maharashtra come to Pandharpur with their devotees.