THE GOAN NETWORK
VALPOI
Amid tensions between two groups, Sattari Joint Mamlatdar Sanjivani Satardekar, who is also administrator of Shri Sateri Ajoba Temple at Keri-Sattari on Wednesday issued an order banning Shigmo celebrations at the temple.
She warned that strict action would be taken if the order is violated.
According to sources, Raghu Givind Gawas, a member from the Gaonkar group had filed an objection stating that the managing committee did not have the right to celebrate Shigmo festival of the temple.
Gawas also stated that the managing committee, which was elected on January 10, only had the right to handle financial matters of the Devasthan and did not have the right to conduct any rituals at the temple.
Stating that efforts were being made to start rituals at the temple, Gawas feared that it could lead to tension among the Gaonkar group.
Gawas claimed that all rituals had been stopped since the last 10 years due to differences among two groups at the temple.
In a bid to resolve the differences, the government had announced elections to the managing committee at this temple. The elections were conducted on January 10, but the Gaonkar group did not file any nomination for the election.
Sources said four members were elected to the committee, but they only have the right to handle financial matters of this temple and not to conduct any rituals at the temple.
Taking note of objections filed by the Gaonkar group, the Administrator, Sanjivani Satardekar, issued an order to stop shigmo celebrations of the temple.
The Valpoi police have also been directed to monitor movements and to initiate action if the order is violated and shigmo celebrations are conducted at the temple.
