THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
A group from Mormugao consisting of around 140 devotees known as Varkaris on Friday began a 15-day, 420-kilometre journey on foot to reach Pandharpur by the auspicious day of Ashadi Ekadashi.
Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar flagged off the second edition of the walking pilgrimage from the Brahmaneshwar Temple in Sada to the holy town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra.
The number of participants has more than doubled this year, rising from 54 in the inaugural edition to 140, reflecting the growing popularity and spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
Among the group is “Shwan Mauli,” a dog who gained attention last year after spontaneously joining the pilgrims on their maiden journey and completing the entire route. The canine companion will once again be part of the procession this year.
Speaking to the media, MLA Amonkar said, “I am fortunate to witness and be part of this remarkable event. This is the second consecutive year that devotees are embarking on this arduous yet spiritually fulfilling journey from Sada to Pandharpur.”
Later in the day, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar welcomed the pilgrims at Damodar Temple in Vasco and expressed his deep appreciation for the movement.
Both MLAs expressed confidence that the number of Varkaris would continue to grow in the coming years, and lauded the discipline, faith, and energy of the devotees as they set out on the long walk to Pandharpur.
