MARGAO, JAN 2
The annual zatra of Shree Shantadurga Kunkallikarin, Fatorpa will be celebrated with traditional pomp and religious fervour, beginning from January 9.
The zatra festival – which is popular in Goa and across the state borders — will commence from January 9 on Sunday.
Briefing newsmen, President of the Shree Shantadurga Kunkallikarin Saunsthan, Shivaji Desai said the procession of the Ambari (Elephant Chariot) will take place on January 10 followed by the procession of the Flower Chariot on January 11.
He said the Vijay Rath (Victory Chariot) procession of the deity will take place on January 12, followed by the Maha Rath procession of the deity on January 13. The six day celebrations will culminate on January 14 with a variety entertainment program, he added.
Shivaji said the Shree Shantadurga Kunkallikarin Zatra is popular amongst the Goan people, irrespective of caste and creed and invited the people of Goa to take part in the annual celebrations.
“The Zatra is being celebrated by both Hindus and Catholics from Cuncolim and elsewhere. I invite all the people to take part in the festivities”, he added.
Videsh Yeshwant Desai said the temple committee is gearing up to celebrate the annual festival with traditional pomp and gaiety. He said the committee has asked the authorities to beef up security in and around the temple complex by deploying armed police personnel in view of the spate of temple thefts and burglaries.
Videsh said that the committee expects more than a lakh of devotees for this year’s Zatra festival.
He said the committee has also taken various steps to help the law and enforcing agencies by setting up CCTVs to bring suspicious people under scanner and burglars alarm to keep burglars at bay.
