Hindu pilgrims, dressed in red and pink, flocked to the Bhairavnath Temple in Satara, India, for the Bagad Yatra Festival following Holi celebrations on Saturday.

The festival features the Bagad, a chariot crafted from acacia wood and adorned with stone wheels, pulled by eight bulls. Villagers from across Maharashtra contribute bulls for the procession.

Participant Akshey Dhargar commented, "We all are red, and the public is red, and today it's about 40 to 41-degree temperature still we don't feel the heat, it's just because of our god Kashinath."

The festival is known for its unique rituals, with some devotees observing a rigorous five-day fast within the temple grounds. It coincides with the occasion of Phalgun Krishna Paksha Panchami, where a single devotee performs the act of hanging from high hooks attached to his body.

Mahendra Sheylar, another participant, explained, "We pray to god to fulfil our wishes, and when they get fulfilled, we devotees on the day of Holi gather here and offer their gratitude to god. The person who gets the opportunity to dangle we call him Bagad (Chariot of God)."

Crafted by the carpenter community of Bavdhan village, the Bagad crane holds symbolic significance and is meticulously preserved year after year.

The Bagad Yatra is an integral part of Maharashtra's cultural heritage, drawing devotees from across the state to celebrate the tradition that has endured for over 800 years. With rituals steeped in history and symbolism, the festival continues to captivate and inspire devotees in Pune, Satara, and Solapur.