Nadiad: A massive surge of devotion was witnessed at Santram Mandir on the auspicious occasion of Poshi Poonam today, as thousands of devotees thronged the temple premises to observe the centuries-old tradition of showering jujube fruits (bor). The entire town of Nadiad resonated with chants of “Jai Maharaj,” reflecting the deep faith associated with the festival.

According to estimates, more than 50,000 kg of jujube fruits were sold in Nadiad on Poshi Poonam this year. Devotees purchased the fruits with reverence and showered them within the temple complex. The jujubes offered at the temple were later taken home by other devotees as prasad.

According to traditional belief, parents whose children suffer from speech difficulties or stammering take a vow to offer jujube fruits at Santram Mandir, praying for a cure. Once the child shows improvement, the vow is fulfilled by showering the fruits at the temple. In some cases, parents even pledge to offer jujube fruits equivalent to the child’s body weight. The fruits offered are later treated as prasad by other devotees.

Nirgun Das Ji Maharaj said the tradition dates back several decades. As per temple lore, a devotee once approached Santram Maharaj seeking blessings for his child’s speech impairment. After the child reportedly began speaking, the devotee fulfilled his vow by offering jujube fruits grown on his farm. Since then, the ritual has continued annually on Poshi Poonam.

Meanwhile, Poshi Poonam is also observed as the manifestation day of Maa Ambaji in Banaskantha district, where a large number of devotees gather for early morning Mangala Aarti and darshan. DeshGujarat