Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Bhiwandi Padmashali Community Keeps 78-Year Raksha Bandhan Tradition Alive
The Padmashali community in Bhiwandi celebrated Raksha Bandhan with several traditional processions.
Some processions used chariots, while another used a palanquin.
A handloom procession also showed the community’s connection to weaving.
The main chariot tradition has continued for 78 years.
The processions ended at a temple dedicated to Markandeya Mahamuni.
Community members offered clothes made on a traditional handloom to the deity.
The clothes were later auctioned, and people made bids worth lakhs of rupees.
Thousands of community members attended the celebrations.
Bhiwandi’s Padmashali community marked Raksha Bandhan with annual chariot, palanquin and handloom processions.
The Akhil Padmashali Samaj Sanstha has organised the chariot procession continuously for 78 years.
Processions travelled through Padmanagar, Dhamankar Naka and Mandai before reaching Markandeshwar Temple in Kasarali.
Handloom-woven clothes were ceremonially offered to Markandeya Mahamuni and later auctioned for bids running into lakhs of rupees.
The celebrations drew community leaders, local public representatives, organisation office-bearers and thousands of residents.
- Who
- Bhiwandi’s Padmashali community, organised by community associations and committees.
- What
- Raksha Bandhan celebrations featuring chariot, palanquin and handloom processions, temple rituals and an auction of handloom clothes.
- When
- August 28, 2026, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan and Shravani Purnima.
- Where
- Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, including Padmanagar, Dhamankar Naka, Mandai, Kasarali, Kamatghar-Bhagyanagar, Sangampada and Kombadpada.
- Why
- To observe community traditions connected with Markandeya Mahamuni, weaving and the ceremonial change of the sacred thread.
- Community
- Padmashali community
- Location
- Bhiwandi
- Tradition
- Annual chariot procession held continuously for 78 years
- Deity
- Markandeya Mahamuni
- Religious occasion
- Raksha Bandhan, coinciding with Shravani Purnima
- Ceremonial offering
- Clothes woven on a traditional handloom
- Auction
- The offered clothes received bids running into lakhs of rupees