Pune: Sharadiya Navratri Festival to Begin at Shri Mahakalika Temple from September 22
By Shoaib Tadvi
Kasba Peth, 21st September 2025: The Sharadiya Navratri festival will commence at the historic Shri Mahakalika Temple in Kasba Peth on Monday, September 22. Organized by the Tvashta Kasar Samaj Sanstha, the ten-day celebration will feature daily rituals, cultural programs, and social activities. Women achievers from various fields will perform the aarti, while dignitaries will be felicitated during the festivities.
Shri Kalikamata is revered as the Kuladevi of the Tvashta Kasar (Tambat) community. The temple, dating back nearly 200 years to the Peshwa era, was formally constructed in 1904 by Narayanrao Ramrao Pimple. It has since undergone several restorations, including one after the devastating 1961 floods. The sanctum is built of marble and granite, with a sabhamandap supported by 15 intricately carved teakwood pillars. A brass bell from 1948 and a 20-kg silver arch further enhance the temple’s heritage value.
The idol of Goddess Kalikamata, carved from basalt stone, stands three feet tall. Adorned with ornaments, draped in a nine-yard sari, and seated gracefully on a stone pedestal with a demon at her feet, the idol reflects exquisite craftsmanship. Recently restored by sculptor Abhijit Dhondfale, the idol’s original beauty has been revealed to devotees for the first time in nearly a century.
During the festival, the goddess will be placed each day on a different vahana (vehicle), including a tiger, lion, peacock, elephant, swan, horse, and Garuda. These fiber-made vahanas have been crafted by artist Anil Vadke. The idol will also be adorned in unique forms of Dashavidya Mahakali, offering devotees a new spiritual experience every day.
The temple, which already attracts large crowds daily, is expected to see even greater participation during the evening aarti at 8 pm. In addition to religious rituals, the festival will also feature health camps, blood donation drives, and cultural lectures.
Organizers have appealed to citizens and devotees to attend the celebrations and experience the spiritual and cultural significance of the Shri Mahakalika Temple during this auspicious festival.
