Mukund Mandir in Akola is not only renowned for its sacred idols but also for the vibrant Navratri Festival. This festival is more than religious rituals; it is a social celebration that unites the community through service, cultural activities, and devotion.
The first Navratri Festival at Mukund Mandir began in the 1940s. Dhondopant Mukund Deshpande established 51 idols in the temple and envisioned a gathering where people could come together annually to worship the Goddess, forgetting distinctions of caste, religion, or community.
Navratri was chosen because it celebrates the divine feminine energy, compassion, and power.
On the first day, Ghatsthapana (ritual pot installation) is performed. The temple is decorated with flowers. Devotional practices include daily aartis, bhajans, kirtans, and spiritual discourses, with participation from all sections of society, irrespective of caste or creed.
A central aspect of the Navratri Festival is Annadan (food donation). Devotees sit together in front of the Goddess and receive prasadam, promoting equality and breaking social barriers. This practice was revolutionary in its time. Dhondopant said, “Before God, all are equal; food is the highest symbol of fraternity.”
Geetabai Deshpande (Geetaatya) played a pivotal role in the festival, organizing bhajans, aartis, and managing annadan. Her efforts encouraged women to actively participate, adding warmth and a familial atmosphere to the celebrations.
Alongside religious events, cultural activities were introduced — competitions for children, performances for women, and bhajan-nataks for youth. These events transformed Navratri into a cultural festival, providing opportunities for participation from all community groups.
The festival fostered community unity. Annadan encouraged collective dining, bhajans instilled devotion, and cultural events strengthened social bonds. The overarching message: “Worship of the Goddess is not just rituals; it unites society.”
This tradition has been carried forward by successive generations, with the Chaudhary family and local devotees actively participating. After the 2022 renovation, the festival has become even more grand, retaining its core elements of annadan, bhajan-kirtan, and cultural programs.
The Navratri Festival at Mukund Mandir transcends mere religious observance. It embodies Dhondopant Mukund Deshpande’s vision of universal equality, promoting social unity, community service, and devotional participation. Today, devotees experience the festival not just as worship of the Goddess, but as a collective societal celebration.