Staff Reporter
Bicholim
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, on Sunday, said that Bhatgram Mahotsav will be celebrated at the state level, which will help showcase Goa beyond its beaches, especially among the international tourists
Khaunte also said that the Shri Saptakoteshwar temple and Narve Panchganga Tirth site will soon be developed as tourism centres.
“Bhatgram Mahotsav
will be celebrated at the state level in the future as it showcases the real rural, cultural, and spiritual image of Goa. There is a need to make international tourists aware that Goa is
not just about the sun and sea but is also rich in traditions and spiritual heritage. The government will work towards this goal,” he said, on Sunday evening, at Shivaji Maidan, Bicholim, during the concluding ceremony of the 2-day Bhatgram Mahotsav.
Former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj renovated Shri Saptakoteshwar temple at Narve and stayed
in Bicholim.
Addressing the gathering, former MLA and Bhatgram Mahotsav president Naresh Sawal said, “The purpose of organising this festival is to protect and enrich our cultural and spiritual heritage while ensuring that Bicholim remains beautiful
and clean.”
Khaunte presented the Bhatgram Award to Vallabh Salkar for his contribution in the social and cooperative fields.
Several others, including Gopal Morajkar, Suryakant Dessai, Devidas Jambhale, Kalidas Naik, Shripad Shetye, Surya Shetye, Anant Malik, Ramkrishna Malik, Deepali Parab, Rohidas Raut, Dayanand Raut, Dattatray Barve, Ashok Naik, Vishnu Malik, Shyam Harmalkar, Babasaheb Rane, Kishor Naik, Nilkanth Khalap, Raghunath Gad, Bhiso Naik, Shiva Naik, Sajro Naik, Bajrang Lambar, Pandhari Raut, Lilavati Raut, and Mugdha Tari were also honoured.
BMC councillors, sarpanches, and panchayat members were present.
The event began with a welcome speech by Srujan Naik, while Maheshwar Parab proposed the vote of thanks.
