VASCO
Extensive planning is underway for the Goa Spiritual Festival on March 9, which hopes to bring a divine experience to Baina Beach while further enhancing the cultural and tourism appeal of the place.
Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar convened a joint site meeting at Baina Beach with officials and authorities to oversee arrangements.
The festival is set to feature key spiritual and cultural events, including Samudra Aarti. The meeting focused on ensuring seamless coordination, security, and infrastructure to accommodate over 10,000 attendees expected at the event.
Speaking to the media after the inspection, Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar emphasised the significance of the festival in transforming Baina Beach into a global spiritual destination.
“Baina was once infamous for its red-light area, but things changed when former CM, the late Manohar Parrikar, removed it and built a Ravindra Bhavan here. However, the beach still lagged behind in tourism. Over time, we introduced water sports to attract tourists, and now, we are taking a step further with this spiritual festival in association with Bramheshanand Swamiji,” said Amonkar.
He further highlighted the festival’s spiritual impact.
“When the footsteps of Bramheshanand Swamiji and other saints touch the beach, it will cleanse the area and purify its aura, giving it a holy touch. This programme will be watched worldwide and will place Baina Beach on the global map. We are thankful to Bramheshanand Swamiji for selecting Baina Beach for this grand event,” he added.
Amonkar assured that meticulous planning was underway to ensure the success of the festival.
“We have conducted a joint site inspection with various government departments to assess the preparedness of the festival, including stage arrangements, security, parking, and beach cleanliness. The festival will include Samudra Aarti, Mahaprasad, and various other programmes. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, along with ministers and MLAs, will also attend the festival,” he stated.
Ramesh Fadte, Director of Tapobhoomi, Shree Datta Padmanabh Peeth, provided insights into the festival schedule, confirming that the event will be held on March 9.
“Sadguru Bramheshanand Swamiji will arrive in Vasco, and a rally will be held from Damodar Temple to Hanuman Temple at Baina Beach. This will be followed by a Yagna ceremony by women devotees, followed by Samudra Pooja. The Swamiji will then arrive on stage, where there will be a yoga session and a Shastriya Sangeet programme. The highlight will be the Samudra Aarti, similar to the Ganga Aarti in Haridwar,” said Fadte.
Fadte also emphasised the significance of hosting the festival at Baina Beach.
“We have invited all 40 MLAs to attend the event, and we expect a massive turnout. While Goa has many beaches, Swamiji specifically chose Baina Beach to change its perception and provide business opportunities for locals,” he noted.
