Pawan Khera and Manish Khanduri
This morning the the Yatris walked from Shevala Village to their midday break at Arati Village in Hingoli district. Writing about Hingoli, Congress Party MP Jairam Ramesh states: “Day 66 of #BharatJodoYatra. After Nanded, we are in Hingoli district today. There are at least 3 places of great significance here: Aundha Nagnath Temple, Mallinath Digambar Jain Temple & Sant Namdev Sansthan. The Yatra is a tribute to this glorious cultural heritage.”
The Yatris walked from Shevala Village to their midday break at Arati Village in Hingoli district
We agree wholeheartedly. For the Yatris, amazing political reception aside, their entire walk through Maharashtra has become a memorable sojourn though a stunning cultural, social and religious landscape. Yatri Mahendra Vohra spoke of the rhythmic music accompanying the Lavani dancers, the roads covered with intricate and colourful rangoli, describing it as a “feast for the senses.” No wonder then that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi came out of his own security cordon today to witness Kolhapuri style wrestlers in action!
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi came out of his own security cordon today to witness Kolhapuri style wrestlers in action
In the morning Gandhi walked with Warkari leaders; located in Mahrastra and worshippers of Vithal, the Warkaris are associated with the Bhakti tradition. We witnessed the captivating sight of Kirtankars in their traditional attire singing abhangs, a form of devotional poetry.
In the afternoon there is an interaction planned with eminent authors including Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith awardees.
Today, on his date of birth, we remember eminent Maharastrarian Pandurang Mahadev Bapat, environmental activist, freedom fighter Gandhian, who led the Mulshi Satyagraha.
Currently in the state of Maharastra, the Bharat Jodo Yatra is a five month, 3500 kilometre long Padyatra from Kanyakumari in the South of India to Kashmir up in the North. It is part of the party’s national mass outreach program aimed at highlighting social polarisation, economic inequalities and political centralisation.
Ground research: Aparna Ashwarya (INC Communications Department research team)
Midday Travel Facts:
1. Current District – Hingoli
2. Hingoli district is the birthplace of famous Marathi writer, F.M Shinde.
3. Hingoli is well known for its educational institutions.
4. Aundha Naganath, one of the 12 jyotirlingas is located in Hingoli district making it an important pilgrimage destinations for Hindus.