Draft:Kanbai

Kanbai is the regional form of the Hindu goddess Radha. She is associated with the Krishna (Vitthal) form of Hindu god Krishna in Maharashtra, India.

Worship
Kanbai and Ranbai represent the goddesses Radha and Chandravali (Rukhmini) respectively.

Legend has it that when Guru Gorakshanath arrived in Khandesh (also known as Kanhdesh) to propagate the Nath sect, he observed that the people of the region were devout followers of two goddesses, Kanbai and Ranbai. Upon learning more about these deities, he acknowledged them as manifestations of Radha and Chandravali and considered them to be his devotees and siblings. It is believed that the Ahir community in Khandesh has been venerating the goddesses Kanbai and Ranbai for approximately four thousand years. The Ahirs, who were part of the Krishna clan and primarily engaged in cattle rearing, revered Radha and Chandravali, considering them to be their own due to their shared lineage.

The Ahirani language, native to the Ahir community, boasts a history spanning five thousand years. Interestingly, similarities exist between the ancient Ilavarshi language spoken by the Ahirs or Yadavas five millennia ago and the modern Ahirani language. The Bar Devi temple located in Balsane village, Sakri taluka, Dhule district, was erected by the Ahir community, where Radha (Kanbai) and Chandravali (Ranbai) were worshipped alongside their companions. Balsane village is often likened to Barsana, Radha's village in Vraj Mandal, Uttar Pradesh. Kanbai refers to Srimati Radhika, Krishna's beloved friend, while Ranbai symbolizes Rukmini, Krishna's beloved queen, also known as Chandravali in Vrindavan.

The chief attendant of Kanbai is known as Gavarani (Gavlani), symbolizing Lalita and Vishakha, the principal handmaidens of Radha.

Festival Rowt
A festival called Kanbaina Rowt is celebrated in honor of the mother goddess, akin to Diwali.

The festival of Kanbai and Ranbai (meaning Radha and Chandravali) is celebrated with enthusiasm in Khandesh on the first Sunday after Nagpanchami in Shravan. It is known as Rot festival (Yanda Amna Gawle Kanbai Maina Rot Shetas). Prior to the festival, houses are adorned with colors, akin to Diwali preparations. Household utensils are washed and cleaned, along with curtains, sheets, bed sheets, and covers. In households where families reside, a handful of grain, consisting of wheat and gram dal, is taken for rotas, considering the count of men and women in the household. This ritual is carried out after informing the miller, who then washes and wipes the mill before the grain is obtained. Gram dal is specifically utilized more during Swaipak on this day. Traditional dishes such as Puran poli, kheer cut amti, and chickpea dal (rashi) are served with gangaphal/red pumpkin bhaji, while onion and garlic are avoided. Sarees are hung for decoration, and Kanbai's coconuts are usually imported.

The festival spans three days, namely Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, during which Kanbai visits households for three days. The entire village sparkles in anticipation of her arrival. During this period, individuals who have been away for work or studies return to the village. Despite their busy schedules, people prioritize attending Kanbai's rowt in the village. Even marriages are sometimes postponed for this festival such is the importance of this to followers. Those residing abroad also make it a point to return to the village for Kanbai. The village wears a festive look during these three days, with long-lost friends reuniting, igniting enthusiasm and joy among everyone.

Historical Inaccuracies
There is a myth surrounding Kanbai's installation, claiming it to be in the name of a Khan. However, the festival has a tradition spanning five thousand years, while the history of Khans does not date back that far, rendering the claim unfactual.