BELAGAVI
Continuing their age-old tradition, hundreds of devotees from Kolhapur, Gadhinglaj, Ichalkaranji, Belewadi, and neighbouring regions began their annual walking pilgrimage to Old Goa on Friday, seeking the ‘darshan’ of Goencho Saib, St Francis Xavier.
This year marks the 44th edition of the pilgrimage, and with favourable weather and increasing participation from various areas, nearly 1,000 pilgrims from the Upper Ghats region are expected to reach Old Goa on December 2.
A group of around 100 pilgrims from Kolhapur, Gadhinglaj taluka, and Ichalkaranji commenced their journey from Gadhinglaj early Friday morning.
The pilgrimage, which sees participation not only from youngsters but also from a significant number of senior citizens, women and children, will follow the traditional halting points along the route.
“We started early morning from Gadhinglaj and will halt first at St Francis Xavier Church, Nesari. Our next stop will be at Here village in Chandgad taluka, followed by night halts at Bhedshi and Bicholim before reaching Old Goa on December 2,” noted activist and writer Adv Sanjay D’Cruz told The Goan.
After Here village, pilgrims will traverse the tough and historic Ramghat route. Meanwhile, another large group is scheduled to leave from Ajara parish on Saturday morning. Pilgrim groups from Belagavi and Khanapur will also begin their journey on Saturday, taking the scenic Chorla route with halts at Jamboti, Chorla and Sanquelim.
As in previous years, a sizeable group of pilgrims from other faiths also began their journey from Savadatti in Belagavi taluka. They will halt in Belagavi before proceeding further, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the pilgrimage.
Many devotees undertake this long and physically demanding journey to fulfil vows by offering ‘Angvonn’ as gratitude for favours received, while others participate as an act of deep faith. Most say the experience leaves them spiritually rejuvenated and mentally refreshed upon venerating St Francis Xavier at the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
A notable aspect of this tradition is the return of Goan settlers from cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and beyond, who travel back to their native villages specifically to join the walking pilgrimage each year.
