Daijiworld Media Network - Bicholim

Bicholim, Aug 16: Devotees thronged the hamlet of Narve in Bicholim taluka to celebrate Janmashtami at the Masan Devi temple and the Panchganga confluence. Pilgrims performed rituals, offered flowers to ancestors, and released the sacred thread, or yajnopavit, into the waters of the five rivers — Bicholim, Valvonti, Zuari, Khandepar, and Mhadei.

“Devotees come to the Panchganga to release the yajnopavit along with bel and tulsi leaves, and then visit Kaloba, whose shrine is nearby,” said Rama Mayekar, a local devotee. Palanquins of gods and goddesses from Bicholim and Mayem, including goddess Shantadurga, were brought to Narve, attracting large crowds.

Ashtami is one of the few days the Masan Devi temple is open to the public, with couples visiting to pray for the blessing of a child. A fair set up nearby featured traditional items like paat (wooden ritual seat), matoli for Ganesh Chaturthi, and roasted grams as a specialty.

The celebrations concluded before sunset, with palanquins returning to their temples and fair stalls closing by 6 pm. Devotees have urged authorities to construct proper steps and improve access to the palanquin spot, as the unpaved route can be slippery, especially for the elderly.