Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The new Damodar Bhajani Saptah Committee has decided to appoint a nodal officer to prevent untoward incidents like stampedes at the forthcoming Vasco Saptah, which attracts lakhs of people to the port town.
The committee has also appealed to leaders to avoid bringing too many supporters and create unnecessary rush at Damodar temple during the main cocount annointment ceremony.
This was decided during the election of the new Damodar Bhajani Saptah in Vasco, which will be headed by Narendra Gurav.
Speaking after the meeting, Prashant Joshi said that several important measures were discussed in view of the large crowds expected for the annual religious event.
“We have elected a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and other committee members,” said Joshi. “The meeting took some key decisions, and we may soon receive new guidelines for the Saptah Festival, especially considering the recent stampede incident that occurred during the Sirigao Jatra.”
He added, “We have decided to appoint a nodal officer, and the entire Damodar Saptah celebration will take place under his guidance. This is to ensure that incidents like stampedes are prevented and the lives of devotees are not put at risk.”
Joshi also said the committee would work closely with authorities. “We have asked the committee to act responsibly and coordinate with the Collector, police and other authorities, and strictly follow their directions and guidelines.”
Highlighting the challenges during the main rituals, Joshi said, “We have seen a mad rush in the temple during the main function where a coconut is anointed at the feet of Lord Damodar. The Deputy Collector has directed us to reduce the crowd inside the temple premises during the inaugural function and the culminating Gopal Kala ritual.”
“We have now asked the committee to strictly follow all directives and ensure the festival is celebrated with discipline,” he added.
The committee also appealed to political leaders and organisations to avoid bringing large groups of supporters to the temple to prevent overcrowding.
Narendra Gurav was elected as the new president, with Mahesh Naik as vice president, Santosh Khorjuvekar as secretary, and Dilip Kajale as treasurer of the new Damodar Bhajani Saptah Utsav Samiti
