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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.

Marathi pride replaces ‘Jai Shri Ram’

The New Year procession in Girgaon revolves around preserving the pride for Marathi language

Mumbai: Shobha Yatra 2025 on the occasion of the Hindu festival Gudhi Padwa took place as usual in the most enthusiastic and positive note on Sunday, March 30. Hundreds of participants coming from different walks of life joined the celebrations in Girgaon of Mumbai. Shobha Yatra 2024 was all about ‘Jai Shri Ram’ because the festival followed soon after thousands of Indians celebrated the consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya after a long wait. This year, the theme seemed to be revolving around pride for the Marathi language, with slogans like ‘Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki jai’, ‘Jai Maharashtra’, and ‘Har har Mahadev’ dominating the celebrations.  


Participants gathered in huge numbers at Phadke Mandir located on VP road of Girgaon even before the sun rose to get ready for the action. All the participants have been preparing for weeks together for this day, to execute this magnificent display of astonishment. All dressed up in bright and colourful traditional Maharashtrian attire arrived at the spot to get fetas tied, put rangolis, get the ‘dhols’ and ‘tashas’ adjusted and much more.

Colours, enthusiasm

The Yatra took place at the epicentre of the culturally richest part of Mumbai- that’s Girgaon, which was a picturesque and ecstatic display of colour, enthusiasm, art, unity all bound by tradition. Although Gudhi Padwa is a Hindu festival, it is the most popular celebration among the Marathi speaking population. However, interestingly a participant highlighted that the participation of non-Marathi speaking enthusiasts is usually in equal numbers to that of the Marathi speaking population.


Speaking to ‘The Perfect Voice’, Andheri’s Reena Varma, a cyclist from a group called ‘Cyclofunatics’ participating in a cycle rally as a part of Shobha Yatra said, “This is my fifth time in Shobha Yatra. We came here riding the cycle from Andheri. Although it was challenging to manage the Nauvari saree, nath (traditional Marathi nose ring) to reach here early morning on a cycle, the feeling is amazing. Jai Maharashtra!”


‘Cyclofunatics’ is a group that has over thousand members, with almost over 40 participating in Shobha Yatra Cycle rally. Organiser of Cyclofunatics Vipin Arumugham is a Malyali speaking cyclist who was the torchbearer of these cyclists who added a different flavour to the yatra. Vipin says, “We are born and brought up in Mumbai and we are extremely proud of Marathi culture and language. In fact, a lot of non-Marathi speaking participants from the southern and northern parts of India have joined the celebrations every year. Migrants join the celebrations. All are proudly dressed up in traditional Marathi get-up.”


Style icons

Nauvari Saree clad women, flaunting their stylish glasses riding their bullet bikes, Dhol Tasha Pathak and an enormously elaborate rangoli in the middle of the road, all become the most peculiar characteristic of Shobha Yatra. Rhea Pawaskar, a Bike rally member said, “It is a great sentiment of unity and a platform to freely showcase our thoughts and culture.”


Supriya Ajgaonkar, another bike rally member said, “I am dressed up as goddess Lakshmi, I usually decorate my bike with flowers. This time too I have enthusiastically made an effort. I am enjoying it.”


There were other interesting performances too that were happening as a part of the yatra including Hula Hoop performance, street plays based on mythological stories, and Lejhim and tableus, and much more.


Several participants had dressed up as various characters associated with Hindu mythology, or Maratha warriors. While there was a young adolescent boy proudly riding a horse, flaunting his sword, on the other side of the street, a woman dressed as ‘Vasudev’ was chanting and dancing as the yatra proceeded. Age was no bar. Several toddlers as young as 2-year-old girls had dressed up in Maharashtrian traditional attire were riding their cute little bikes.


Shivani Dhopavkar, a Hula Hoop artist who showcased her talent in the yatra said, “Hula Hoop is my passion. I quit my IT profession and took up Hula Hoop as my full-time engagement. I feel Hula Hoop is a perfect platform where I can introduce this form of art to all sections of the society. I want to take Girgaon to a level where it is recognised globally. I have chosen Hula Hoop to accomplish this dream for which Gudhi Padwa Shobha Yatra is a perfect platform.”


Mass outreach 

Participants also made use of this occasion to reach out to the masses in a bid to spread several ideologies. Members of an NGO called Sanskrit Bharti had joined the celebrations to promote the importance of preserving the Sanskrit language. Deepali Vaze, a Girgaon resident and member of Sanskrit Bharti said, “We are actively involved in the work of this organisation that promotes Sanskrit. Our dream is to make Sanskrit the regular language of communication along with Marathi.”


Shobha Yatra is a unique display of tradition, art and emotions would be an understatement. The crowd that had gathered in Girgaon for the celebrations was a mix of participants speaking all different languages. They had come together and very flawlessly and warmly embraced the Maharashtrian traditional way of celebration. The most peculiar aspect of the celebration is that the women who wear nauvari saree, flaunt their glares and ride a bullet. This in itself symbolises a true sense of women empowerment that allows women to embrace new ideologies even as they proudly hold on to their traditions.


While all this began at 7 am and went on till almost 3 pm, the police personnel who were in charge of the security arrangements were flawlessly doing their job, enabling hundreds of enthusiasts to smoothly navigate the crowd and make the most of the celebrations.

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