The historic ‘Hatti Risala’ procession in Jalna, Maharashtra, celebrated its 138th year during Dhulivandan, continuing a long-standing cultural tradition associated with the Holi festival.
The festival is a significant local event that reflects Jalna’s rich cultural heritage, historical traditions, and communal harmony, attracting enthusiastic participation from residents across communities.
Hatti Risala Festival
The Hatti Risala procession is organised annually on Dhulivandan, which is the day following Holi celebrations. The event features a grand procession passing through the main streets of the city.
A central attraction of the festival is a decorated elephant carrying symbolic representations of a king and his prime minister, recreating a royal procession reminiscent of historical traditions. During the procession, the symbolic rulers distribute revdis (traditional sweets) among the gathered crowd, adding to the festive spirit.
Participants dressed in traditional attire, accompanied by rhythmic drum beats, vibrant decorations, and the scattering of dry colours, create a lively and celebratory atmosphere across the city.
Cultural Significance
The Hatti Risala procession has become an important symbol of Jalna’s cultural identity and historical continuity, having been celebrated for over 138 years.
The festival highlights:
- Community participation across religious and social groups
- Traditional cultural practices passed down through generations
- Public celebrations reflecting local heritage.
People from different religions and communities actively participate, reinforcing the message of social unity and communal harmony.
A unique local custom associated with the procession is that residents living along the procession route refrain from playing with colours while the procession passes, as a mark of respect for the tradition.