VASCO
H undreds of Varkaris from Mormugao on Friday began the third edition of their annual Pandharpur Vari, a 15-day, 420-km pilgrimage on foot to the holy town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra ahead of Ashadhi Ekadashi.
The pilgrimage started from the Brahmaneshwar Temple at Sada, where devotees offered prayers before setting out on the journey.
The number of participants has grown steadily over the years, rising from 54 devotees in the first year to around 140 in the second. Organisers said this year’s turnout is expected to be even higher, with many devotees from Vasco, Dabolim and Cortalim joining the yatra.
The procession first stopped at the Damodar Temple in Vasco, where the Varkaris were welcomed by Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, his wife Shami Salkar and Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho.
After offering prayers, more devotees from Vasco and Dabolim joined the pilgrimage. Later, the group reached Cortalim, where they were welcomed by local devotees before more people joined the procession after prayers at the temple.
Speaking on the occasion, Krishna Salkar said he felt blessed to witness and take part in the spiritual journey for the third year in a row. He wished the pilgrims a safe journey to Pandharpur and prayed that they receive the blessings of Lord Vitthal.
Mauvin Godinho praised the Murgao Varkari Saunsthan for organising the pilgrimage. He said it was encouraging to see people aged between 18 and 70 years, including many women, taking part with faith and devotion.
Both Salkar and Godinho said they were confident that the number of Varkaris would continue to grow in the coming years. They also praised the discipline, dedication and devotion shown by the pilgrims as they set out on the sacred journey to Pandharpur.
