This rare celebration in Arambol offers chicken as Prasad

A WALK IN THE FOREST

The celebration at Shri Dev Rashtrolli Panchayatan Devsthan at Korkhanwada in Arambol begins with locals assembling at the venue.

ROOSTER SACRIFICE      

From here, the devotees trek about a kilometer to offer prayers to the village protector. Then, they trek into the forest, where roosters are sacrificed before cooking.

100-YEAR-OLD TRADITION

This tradition dates back to around 100 years, when the villagers of Korkhanwada solemnised worship of the guardian spirit or the Rakhandar by sacrificing roosters.

HOLY PRASAD

After the rooster is offered to the deity, it is cooked at the site and later distributed as prasad to devotees at the prayer meeting.

NO WOMEN ALLOWED

The uniqueness of this ritual is that women are not allowed to cook or touch anything. It's an men-only affair.

FOR CATTLE PROTECTION

This tradition was started when there were only 5-6 families in the village. The ritual was performed by the villagers for the protection of their cattle taken to the forest to graze.

WATCHING OVER

The villagers prayed to the Rakhandar to watch over them if they got lost or faced any danger in the forest.

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