In pictures: People celebrate Bhandara festival, the great turmeric festival of Maharashtra

SUMMARY

The Bhandara festival takes place on Somvati Amavasya- a new moon day that falls on a Monday at Khandoba Temple in Maharashtra. During the festival, devotees use the golden powder to worship the deity Lord Khandoba, widely known as a descendant of the sun, and to celebrate his victory over the demons Mani and Malla.

By APJun 4, 2019 12:58:44 PM IST (Updated)

A devotee applies the spice turmeric during the celebration of the Bhandara Festival, or the Festival of Turmeric, at the Jejuri temple in Pune district, Maharashtra. During the festival, devotees use the golden powder to worship the deity Lord Khandoba, widely known as a descendant of the sun, and to celebrate his victory over the demons Mani and Malla. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Devotees perform rituals during the celebration of the Bhandara Festival. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Devotees throw the spice turmeric on a horse as an offering during the celebration. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Devotees cover themselves in the spice turmeric during the celebration. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

A devotee smeared in the spice turmeric prays during the celebration. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Devotees hold a plate with turmeric as they offer prayers during the celebration of the Bhandara Festival. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

A devotee covered in the spice turmeric goes into a trance during the celebration of the Bhandara Festival. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

A devotee throws the spice turmeric as an offering to the deity during the celebration of the Bhandara Festival. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Devotees smeared in turmeric join a procession during the celebration of the Bhandara Festival. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)