While rituals and traditions in villages keep astonishing us, this unique custom from Maharashtra’s Sangli stands out. It was recently culminated in Sangli and the videos of the event have gone viral.
In Sangli city, every year during the Marathi month of Jyeshtha, a special ritual known as Tadkadtai is performed. Main ritual begins on the new moon day and continues until the full moon of Ashadha. Local belief holds that Tadkadtai is the mother of ghosts, appearing to protect the city from evil forces.
The ritual features a person dressed as Tadkadtai—wearing a black saree, a black mask, and carrying a “sup” (a traditional winnowing basket). She moves through the streets, both alarming children and blessing residents. This is part of the Joganya festival, celebrated in Sangli for over 250 years.
The tradition is linked to the goddess Mahishasur Mardini, believed to take this form to vanquish demons. The potter community has preserved this ritual, and families in Sangli, Ashta, Kasegaon, Palus, and nearby areas continue the practice.
A symbolic wedding of Tadkadtai is held at sunset, then she parades through the city. Afterwards, she offers prasad to children. Many believe that touching her bowl helps protect young ones from illness.
While some children are frightened, this ritual remains a cherished part of Sangli’s cultural identity. Even today, villagers take pride in the tradition and continue to pass it down through generations.
