Satara village observes unique nine-day standing Navratri ritual

A village in Satara district has maintained an unusual Navratri ritual for generations, where devotees observe a nine-day practice of standing continuously without sitting or sleeping on the ground.

The ritual is rooted in local religious tradition and reflects the spiritual commitment of the community during the Navratri festival period. Participants maintain this austere practice as an act of devotion, adhering to strict physical discipline throughout the nine days.

This distinctive observance sets the village apart from mainstream Navratri celebrations across Maharashtra and demonstrates the diverse ways in which regional communities mark the festival. The practice has been passed down through generations and continues to be observed by village devotees.