VALPOI
Navratri celebrations at Shri Sateri Kelbai Ajooba Devasthan in Keri, Sattari, were disrupted on the first day following a dispute among Mahajan groups over religious rituals and the alleged non-implementation of directives issued by the then Mamlatdar in 2021. The Rane Halid and Majik groups objected to attempts by other groups to conduct religious proceedings, insisting that the celebrations follow the existing directives. The dispute created tension on the temple premises, prompting Joint Mamlatdar Vishnu Rane to intervene and hold discussions with the groups.
The temple priest subsequently performed necessary rituals and worship, following which the first day’s programme concluded early. With the differences remaining unresolved, uncertainty prevails over the continuation of celebrations over the remaining nine days. Representatives of the Rane Halid, Majik and another Mahajan group alleged that the Devasthan committee had acted arbitrarily and failed to implement the 2021 directives.
They said all Mahajan groups had agreed at a meeting at the Mamlatdar’s office in Valpoi four days earlier to conduct the festivities in accordance with the directives. However, the agreed arrangement was allegedly not followed.
Krishna Majik accused the committee of failing to honour the understanding and alleged that government officials present at the temple had not paid adequate attention to the issue. He said the groups would not tolerate the alleged injustice and would pursue legal action if necessary. The groups maintained that religious rituals should be performed through the temple priest as prescribed.
Valpoi Police Station Inspector Videsh Pilgaonkar and police personnel were present to prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order.
Joint Mamlatdar Vishnu Rane said the necessary rituals had been performed, but some Mahajan groups opposed the continuation of the remaining religious proceedings. He said the dispute over authority within the Devasthan had persisted for several years and that the situation had been brought under control. The committee’s response to the allegations was not available. The dispute over the implementation of the 2021 directives and the rights to conduct religious ceremonies remains unresolved.
