RAMESH V. SAVAIKAR
Hindu festival Ashadi Ekadashi is being observed today. It is celebrated in devotion to Lord Vithal, who is believed to be the avatar (incarnation) of Lord Krishna. The main feature of this festival is the big yatra of devotees of God Vithal held at Pandharpur (Maharashtra), which is situated on banks of River Bhima, also known as ‘Chandrabhaga’. Devotees from Goa and Maharashtra gather at Pandharpur to participate in the festival. The ‘dindis’ of devotees who walk on foot reach Pandharpur along with palanquin of saints like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, etc. They take a holy dip in ‘Chandrabhaga’ and seek blessings of Vithal- Rakhumai. ‘Bhajan’, ‘kirtan’, and various religious programmes mark the celebration.
In Goa, the main celebration takes place at Shri Pandurang Devasthan, Vithalapur-Sankhali, which is also known as the Pandharpur of Goa. The temple of Vithal Rakhumai of Vithalapur is more than 500 years old. This year, the main attraction at the temple is the golden ‘kalash’ donated by ex- chief minister Pratapsingh Rane. The temple is decorated with beautiful lighting on the occasion. Devotees of Lord Vithal from different parts of state visit the temple. They take a holy dip in Valvanti River, perform ‘abhishek’ on idol of Vithal, offer flowers and fruits, and seek his blessings. ‘Dindis’ of devotees from nearby villages like Amona, Kudne, Keri, Honda, Mayem, and Bicholim march to Vithalapur to participate in Ekadashi celebration. Many devotees, who observe fast, perform puja of the idol of God Vithal at their homes. They consume tender coconut water, fruits and break the fast on the next day.
