Sarangkheda comes alive

Jalgaon, Maharashtra, Dec 4 (UNI) The sleepy village of Sarangkheda in adjoining Dhule district today started throbbing with activities with the launch of annual pilgrimage to the historical temple of one-mouth God Datta.

Located 15 kms away from Dhule's tahsil town of Shahada, the 15,000-strong village was abuzz with sellers and buyers of horses at the horse bazar - the distinguishing feature of the fortnight-long yatra, which was inaugurated by Nandurbar district Collector Jayant Gayakwad.

Sarangkheda, where the 250-old Datta temple is located atop a hill, finds mention in the popular Marathi text Leelachrittra.

Famous for its horse bazar, held every year during the 15-day-long festival, Sarangkheda is visited by sellers and buyers of horses, including agents of Bollywood stars found of horse-riding, Dhule's public relations officer said. About 900 horses have already reached the village and 41 sold on the first day itself. Main attraction in the horse bazar this year is the arrival of Nagai and Nukhari mares. Nukhari's owner has put Rs 35 lakh as the base price for his prized possession.

Besides the horse bazar , Prasad Sevabhavi Sanstha, a charity, has organised an agriculture show on the occasion. Thousands of farmers from adjoining areas are expected to visit the agri-show put up by Sahada agriculture market committee and department of animal husbandry.

Administration expects the arrival of ten lakh people during the fair.

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