CANACONA
As many as 26 communities in the three villages of Poinginnim, Loliem and Kharegal will participate in the tri-annual Ghodeanchi Zatra at Shri Betal Temple Poinguinim on May 21.
Addressing a news conference in the hall of Shri Parshuram Temple at Poinguinim, Shri Parshuram Panchagram Devasthan President Udhay Prabhugaongkar said Lord Betal is one amongst the five main Gods of Shri Parshuram Panchagram Devasthan.
“The Ghodeanchi Zatra is traditionally observed every three years and it brings together 26 different communities residing in the three villages of Poinguinim, Loliem and Kharegal. The Ghodeanchi Zatra was last observed in 2017 and it missed the date during the Covid pandemic. This year, we expect over 10,000 people to attend the Ghodeanchi Zatra,” said Prabhugaongkar.
“On the day of Ghodeanchi Zatra, the ‘Ghode’ (The Chosen Men) will come running from a distance of about 10-12 kms to Shri Betal Temple. The ‘Ghode’ will then be tied upside down (virtually hanging) to the top and in-between two wooden poles which are raised 50 feet above the ground and they will be rotated in the air as thousands of devotees watch this unique tradition with staunch faith,” he added.
“This main function will be held on May 21 from 4 to 5 pm. We expect heavy rush of devotees at this unique Utsav and as such, we had made elaborate parking arrangements either in Poinguinim Bazaar area and Galgibaga area. From there, special buses will transport devotees to the Shri Betal Temple,” informed Prabhugaongkar.
He informed that the Ghode who partake in these rituals cannot bathe for seven days and only on May 28, they will take a dip in Talpona river and return to the temple.
“The 22-day rituals will come to an end at Shri Betal Temple with the Rangoveli Pujan on May 30. This is the only festival in Canacona which brings so many communities together at Shri Betal Temple,” he added.
Others present at the news conference included former devasthan president Damodar Phalgaonkar, executive committee member Kavindra Phaldessai, Gyanand Prabhugaongkar, Nishakant Tengse and Ramesh Velip.
