Devotees
gathered around Margao to celebrate the unique and traditional Dindi festival. The famous
historic temples of Margao – Hari Mandir and Vitthal Mandir – are known all
over Goa for the Dindi festival, which takes place only in the dark. This night
festival is held to worship and seek blessings from Lord Vitthal. The 109th
Dindi celebration had devotees gathering together for worship. For the first
time, the festivities were held at the newly-built Hari Mandir temple near
Adarsh School in Margao.
Apart from the
adoration by the devotees, various social and cultural programs were held. The
festival came to life when worshippers were heard chanting ‘bhajans’ during the
Dindi Utsav, as well as classical singers getting the people gathered in the
mood of the auspicious occasion. The Pune-based classical singers were the
attention-grabbers on the beautiful festive night. The Mandir was beautifully
decorated with lights, giving the vibe of goodness and warmth. There were traditional
dances performed as a sign of love for the deity.
As
a traditional ritual, the Palki of Lord Vitthal was taken out of the Hari
Mandir in a grand procession through the city of Margao to Vitthal Mandir in
Comba. The palanquin then returned to Hari Mandir on early Thursday morning.
Two noted devotional singers from Pune, Riva Nattu and Chaitanya
Kulkarni,performed at Shree Hari Mandir Devasthan as part of the festivities
there. Yuva Sanjivani organised a number of competitions in Comba on the occasion.Shree
Dambabalem Ghodem Cultural Association organised the 14th All Goa Akash Kandil,
Fruit and Vegetable Carving Competition at the Shree Dambab Chowk, near State
Bank of India, Margao to coincide with the Dindi festival.
