The members of the Damodar Saptah Samiti along with prominent residents of Vasco at the Zambaulim Shree Damodar Sansthan.
THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Members of the Shree Damodar Bhajani Saptah Samiti along with prominent citizens of Vasco, offered prayers at the Shri Damodar Saunsthan in Zambaulim on Thursday evening, marking the traditional commencement of preparations for the annual Damodar Saptah festival.
As per ritual, the members, led by President Narendra Gurav and Saptah Central Committee President Prashant Joshi, offered a coconut at the feet of Lord Damodar, seeking blessings for the smooth and safe conduct of the upcoming Saptah celebrations in Vasco.
The coconut will later be ceremoniously brought back to the Damodar temple in Vasco, a tradition upheld for generations.
“This ritual has been carried out by our ancestors and we continue it every year to seek Lord Damodar’s blessings before beginning the festival work. This year, we are planning a grand celebration and pray for health, wealth, and prosperity for all of Vasco,” said Samiti President Narendra Gurav.
This year marks the 126th edition of the revered Shree Damodar Bhajani Saptah festival, which is scheduled to be held on July 30 in Vasco.
Damodar Saptah Samiti Secretary Santosh Khorjuvekar said the festival attracts devotees from across Goa and arrangements are being made to ensure it is celebrated on a large scale with safety as a top priority.
“We have planned to celebrate the festival grandly while adhering to government SOPs. We will hold meetings with all concerned authorities to prevent incidents like stampedes. All stakeholders, including the Mormugao Municipal Council, have extended their support. The Darshan facility will remain open 24 hours, but we appeal to the public to follow safety measures and avoid overcrowding,” Khorjuvekar added.
