top of page

By:

Rajendra Joshi

3 December 2024 at 3:50:26 am

Kolhapur’s Pilgrimage Paradox

Kolhapur: Even as the state government clears the first tranche of Rs 1,500 crore under an ambitious Rs 5,000-crore plan for the development of Kolhapur as a major pilgrimage centre, the ground reality for devotees tells a far less reassuring story. Each month, the temple’s donation boxes swell by an estimated Rs two crore, while crores more lie parked in bank deposits earning interest. Yet, for the thousands who arrive daily to seek the blessings of Goddess Ambabai, the journey to the...

Kolhapur’s Pilgrimage Paradox

Kolhapur: Even as the state government clears the first tranche of Rs 1,500 crore under an ambitious Rs 5,000-crore plan for the development of Kolhapur as a major pilgrimage centre, the ground reality for devotees tells a far less reassuring story. Each month, the temple’s donation boxes swell by an estimated Rs two crore, while crores more lie parked in bank deposits earning interest. Yet, for the thousands who arrive daily to seek the blessings of Goddess Ambabai, the journey to the sanctum begins with an ordeal—walking barefoot on scorching roads under an unforgiving sun. With temperatures in Kolhapur soaring past 40°C, asphalt and concrete roads leading to the temple radiate intense heat. For devotees—many of whom travel hundreds of kilometres—this translates into a painful trek, quite literally. The situation is particularly harsh for senior citizens, who are often seen hopping from one foot to another in a desperate attempt to avoid the burning surface. In such conditions, the absence of even basic protective arrangements raises uncomfortable questions about priorities in pilgrimage infrastructure. Stark Irony The irony is stark. While policy blueprints and financial approvals move through bureaucratic channels, immediate, low-cost interventions remain unaddressed. Simple measures—laying heat-resistant carpets along key approach roads, ensuring regular water sprinkling to cool surfaces, and erecting temporary shaded canopies—could significantly ease the devotees’ distress. Such steps do not demand massive outlays, only administrative initiative. As chairperson of the temple trust, the Kolhapur District Collector is uniquely positioned to catalyse this response. The summer vacation period only amplifies the challenge. Families flock to Kolhapur in large numbers, often combining visits to Ambabai temple with pilgrimages to nearby shrines such as Jyotiba. The surge in footfall transforms the temple precinct into a sea of humanity. Yet, the infrastructure has failed to keep pace. A similar concern was flagged last year as well, with limited, ad hoc relief provided by a few local traders who laid makeshift carpets for their customers. This year, however, little appears to have changed. Humane Pilgrimage The issue, therefore, is not merely administrative—it is collective. The responsibility to ensure a humane pilgrimage experience cannot rest solely with the temple trust or the municipal corporation. Traders and business associations operating in the temple vicinity, who benefit from the steady influx of devotees, must also step forward. Kolhapur has historically demonstrated remarkable civic spirit during festivals such as Navratri and the Rathotsav. Extending that ethos to provide shaded pathways during peak summer would be a meaningful gesture of reciprocity. Across India, leading pilgrimage centres have invested in visitor comfort—air-conditioned waiting areas, chilled drinking water, and clean sanitation facilities are increasingly the norm. In many cases, nominal user charges are levied, and devotees are willing to pay for such services. Kolhapur risks falling behind if it does not address these gaps with urgency. At its core, the issue is one of dignity. Devotion should not come at the cost of physical distress. Until basic amenities are ensured, the promise of transforming Kolhapur into a premier religious tourism hub will remain incomplete. For now, the pilgrim’s experience continues to echo a troubling refrain: first the searing heat beneath the feet, and only then, the grace of the goddess.

Congress to take out rallies against PM's 'silence' on 'halting' Op Sindoor

  • PTI
  • May 14, 2025
  • 3 min read


New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday accused the BJP of "politicising" Operation Sindoor and said it would take out rallies across the country to question the Prime Minister's "silence" on US President Donald Trump's claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the "halting" of the operation.


Addressing a joint press conference after a meeting of senior party leaders, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh and the party's media and publicity department head, Pawan Khera, said the BJP was trying to make the military action a "brand" for itself when the operation belongs to the armed forces and the country.


The Congress announced that in the coming days, 'Jai Hind' rallies will be held in various states to demand answers from the government and party leader Rahul Gandhi will address a press conference here on Friday.


The Congress made the assertions after a meeting of senior leaders, including former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal, Ramesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Sachin Pilot, among others, at its 24, Akbar Road office here.


Ramesh said a resolution was passed by the party in the meeting.


"It was the third meeting of senior Congress leaders in the last 20 days. A resolution was also passed. Since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi ji have been talking of unity; they gave full support to the government and welcomed Operation Sindoor," Ramesh said.


"They (Kharge and Gandhi) said we are standing with the government and armed forces resolutely. They expressed support for action against Pakistan. We demanded an all-party meeting, and two meetings were held, but the PM was not present. These meetings were a mere formality," he said.


The Congress president and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha -- Rahul Gandhi -- have written to the prime minister for a special session so that a discussion takes place on the Pahalgam terror attack to send a message of collective resolve.


"It is an occasion to reiterate the resolution passed unanimously on February 22, 1994, on PoK," he said.


The Congress has been raising questions as to why US President Trump made the announcement of ceasefire, which was unprecedented, Ramesh said.


"The prime minister does not say anything on this," he said.


Pointing to media reports, Ramesh said the prime minister was meeting NDA chief ministers on May 25, but non-NDA CMs had been left out.


"The politicisation of Operation Sindoor should not be done. Why is the PM only holding a meeting of NDA chief ministers on May 25? Why not opposition-ruled states and their chief ministers," he said.


"Is this politicisation or not?" he asked.


Ramesh accused the BJP of politicising Operation Sindoor.


"We condemn the politicisation in the strongest terms," Ramesh asserted.


He said the BJP was indulging in "Maximum silence on real issues and maximum politicisation".


"We said again and again and demanded an all-party meeting. PM was not available at any of the two all-party meetings. He did not even make a guest appearance. They were held only for formality," Ramesh said.


"Why does PM not take the country into confidence on what is the role of America. US President Trump has once again stated that he mediated. Why is the PM silent on this?" he asked.


Ramesh said a PM-chaired all-party meeting should be convened and a special session of Parliament should be called.


"On one hand, Kharge ji and Rahul ji are talking of unity, and on the other hand, the PM is silent and not agreeing to come for all-party," he said.

Comments

bottom of page