Depicted in the photo story "Bhandara" are the photographs of festival celebrated on full moon of Feb.-March ("Maghipurnima") in the temple of Khandoba (God Shankara).
The mythology states that God Shankara killed Demons "Mani" and "Mallar" who were harassing sages and common people. This day symbolizes victory of good over evil.
In the celebration of this day "turmeric powder" (Bhandara") is smeared over foreheads and spread in air.
The turmeric powder symbolizes gold, purity of mind and body, and the spreading and smearing of turmeric powder is believed to cleanse the body and environment of impurity and evil.
The Festival is still celebrated every year marked by changes in forms of dressing and headgears. Some rituals or traditions like offering first child in the service of God are eliminated.
Turmeric powder motifs (Bhandara) of palms of temple-priest symbolizing blessings of God.
Turmeric powder being spread all over symbolizing gold dust as part of Gods victory celebration.
It is believed to clear mind and environment of all the evil and impure.
The pilgrims are in absolute fervors mood.
In mythology, all the Gods in heaven worshiped God Shankara by lighting up oil lamps for his victory over demons and evil.
The celebration continues till midnight by using traditional religious oil lamps.