Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Unprecedented security and protocol arrangements were enforced on Friday as thousands of devotees, religious leaders and political dignitaries from Goa and across the country gathered at Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math to celebrate the Sardha Panchashatamanotsava, marking 550 years of the historic Math.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the landmark occasion, unveiling Asia’s tallest 77-foot bronze statue of Prabhu Shri Ram. He also inaugurated the Ramayana Theme Park Garden, launched a 3D Projection Mapping show, and released a special postal stamp and commemorative coin.
All roads leading to Partagali Math wore a vibrant festive look, adorned with billboards and banners depicting the Math’s lineage of Swamis, the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Security was heightened ahead of the Prime Minister’s scheduled 3.05 pm arrival, with personnel taking charge of the main entrance on the old NH-66 at Partagali junction. Over 480 traffic police and hundreds of security personnel were deployed across the taluka and inside the Math complex. Despite the main gate opening at 8 am, devotees, Mahajans and invitees faced delays due to stringent checks at multiple layers of security.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Shripad Naik, Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, Math Committee Chairman Shrinivas Dempo and Chief Postmaster General Amitabh Singh.
Shrimad Vidyadheesh Teerth Swamiji personally accompanied the Prime Minister around the premises, explaining the historic and spiritual significance of the Math’s sacred sites.
With large crowds expected, parking zones were set up at distant locations, from where people were ferried in KTC buses and other vehicles to the main gate. Only invitees carrying valid ID and passes were permitted entry, after which they were transported on buggies and minibuses to the venue.
In keeping with the strictest security norms, a long list of items was prohibited, including power banks, bags, umbrellas, metal containers, electronic devices, flammable items, glass bottles, flags, food, and even water bottles. A dedicated counter was set up for depositing vehicle keys.
A dog-catching team from the Animal Husbandry Department was stationed on site to prevent stray animals from entering the Math complex.
Security protocol was enforced without exception—vehicles belonging even to ministers, police officers and government officials were barred entry without VVIP passes. A luxury car found parked near the VVIP lounge was towed away prior to the PM’s arrival.
By 12.30 pm, the massive pandal with a capacity of 12,000 seats was filled, and the charged atmosphere reflected the significance of the milestone celebration. Swamiji later felicitated the Prime Minister, Governor and Chief Minister with shawls and mementos.
All schools in and around Canacona were declared closed for the day. Anticipating heavy footfall from across the country, Konkan Railway approved a temporary one-minute halt for six trains at Canacona Railway Station between November 26 and December 6.
