Dindi will be accorded status of State festival next year, says CM Sawant

MARGAO
As Madgavkars along with people from all walks of life celebrated the famous Dindi festival with religious fervour on Saturday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant took the platform to announce that the Dindi festival will be bestowed the status of State festival next year.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, who paid a visit to the Hari Mandir Temple to seek blessings of Vithal Rakhumaye said festivals such as Margao’s Dindi not only showcases the rich art and culture of the city, but also promotes tourism in a big way.

Thousands of people from all walks of life poured into Margao on Saturday to partake in the Dindi festivities at the Hari Mandir, Pajifond. The procession of Vithal Rakhumaye starts from the Hari Mandir and wends its way through the city throughout the night before returning back to Hari Mandir on Sunday. The heart of the commercial capital, along the Hari Mandir-Margao Municipal square-Abade Faria Road-Comba wore a festive look on the occasion of Dindi.

After seeking blessings of Lord Vithal Rakhumaye with Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, the Chief Minister told the media that though a decision was taken last year to accord State festival status for Dindi, the same could not be implemented due to the delay in constituting the joint panel. The Chief Minister, however, said the Dindi festival will get the status of State festival next year.

“I have requested the Margo MLA to ask the Temple committee to recommend names of its nominee for induction on the joint panel,” he said.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the Dindi festival occupies an important place in the festivals celebrated in the State. “The fact that Dindi is being celebrated this year for the 114th year goes to show its rich history and culture,” he said.

Earlier, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat along with MMC Chairperson Damu Shirodkar, former MLA Damu Naik and the president of Hari Mandir Committee Suhas Kamat participated in the Dindi festivities organised by Dambabalem Ghoddem. The Margao MLA complimented the former MLA Damu Naik for his initiative in holding the religious and cultural programme.