Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The religious rituals of the Akhand Damodar Bhajani Saptah concluded on Wednesday afternoon with the traditional Samapti rituals and immersion of the previous year’s anointed Shreefal (coconut) in the Arabian Sea at Kharewado.
A large number of devotees from across Goa gathered at the temple premises to witness the culmination of the spiritual observance, which is marked by 24 hours of non-stop bhajan performances by various groups.
The Samapti began with a grand procession carrying the Shreefal, led by Damodar Narvekar and his family, who have been entrusted with the immersion ritual for several years.
Speaking to the media, Narvekar said the Samapti was conducted on a grand scale this year, with a large number of devotees participating. He said the Shreefal would be immersed in the Arabian Sea at Kharewado, marking the conclusion of the religious observance.
As per tradition, the festival begins each year with the placement of a fresh Shreefal by the Joshi family, while the Samapti begins with the immersion of the previous year’s Kaul by the Narvekar family.
The Dindi procession moved through the area to the beats of devotional music, with devotees chanting “Gyanba Tukaram”. The procession also paused at the Vasco railway station circle, where a bhajan was performed.
The final bhajan was sung at the Kharewado jetty, following which the previous year’s Kaul was taken by boat and immersed in the sea.
After the immersion, prasad comprising fruits was distributed among the devotees, who returned to the temple singing traditional hymns, including “Gopal Kala, God zala, Gopalane God Kela, Amcha Vithobha ghara shi aala.”
Traffic police were deployed along the procession route to regulate traffic and ensure the smooth movement of devotees.
The concluding moments of the Samapti saw devotees dancing in circular formations while singing bhajans. A final pooja was performed at the temple, followed by distribution of prasad, formally marking the end of the 24-hour Akhand Damodar Bhajani Saptah.
The temple will continue to remain open for devotees over the coming days, while stalls selling clothes, sweets and traditional items are expected to attract visitors for the next seven days.
