The colour of devotion
Khandoba is a regional Hindu deity, a form of Shiva. He is the most popular family deity in Maharashtra. The foremost centre of Khandoba worship is Jejuri, near Pune. Somvati Amavasya, which is a new-moon day that falls on a Monday, is auspicious and celebrated in Jejuri. A palakhi (palanquin) procession of Khandoba and Mhalsa's images is carried from the Gad-kot temple to the Karha river amidst thick yellow clouds of halad (turmeric powder) called bhandar. Turmeric powder, a sign of purity, health & prosperity, is showered by devotees all along the procession and even inside the temple.
