Devotees gathered at the Shri Mahamaya Temple premises in Mayem for the Kalashotsav.
BICHOLIM
The annual Kalashotsav of Shri Devi Maya Kelbai Panchayatan Devasthan at Mayem has been officially postponed, after members of the temple’s Mahajan committees remained firm on their respective traditional honour-related demands.
The order to suspend the festival was issued by Bicholim Deputy Collector Shubham Naik.
The Kalashotsav, celebrated every year with great enthusiasm, is one of the most significant religious events in the village. The entire village traditionally comes together in a festive spirit for the grand celebration.
For the past two years, the festival had been conducted after mutual understanding was reached between the two Mahajan groups. However, disputes had surfaced even then, leading to last-minute uncertainty.
To avoid a similar situation this year and to ensure that the Kalashotsav and subsequent traditional fairs were conducted smoothly, the state administration took precautionary steps for the first time.
A crucial meeting of the temple Mahajans was convened at the Bicholim Deputy Collector’s office. Various options were discussed to ensure the successful celebration of the Kalashotsav, followed by the famous ‘Malyanchi Jatra’ and the subsequent ‘Redyanchi Jatra’ in Mayem.
A proposal was put forward requesting the Mahajans to accept the suggested alternatives and jointly conduct the festival and the upcoming fairs.
Mayem MLA Premendra Shet was also present at these meetings. Despite extensive deliberations, no consensus could be reached.
On Saturday, multiple meetings were held throughout the day between the Devasthan Mahajan Committee and the Deputy Collector. However, these discussions failed to yield any solution.
By evening, a large number of devotees had gathered at the Shri Mahamaya Temple premises at Gaonkarwada-Mayem, in anticipation of the Kalashotsav.
As no resolution emerged and in order to prevent any potential law and order issues, Deputy Collector Shubham Naik announced the suspension of the Kalashotsav, much to the disappointment of the devotees.
