Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh) [India], August 11 (ANI): Sixteen members of the Baiga tribal community participated in a 151-kilometre-long Kanwar Yatra led by BJP MLA Bhawna Bohra from Amarkantak to Bhoramdeo, with the number of devotees increasing to nearly 700 on the second day.
The ‘Bol Bam Padayatra’ began from Amarkantak after devotees collected water from the Narmada River. The pilgrims then proceeded towards Bhoramdeo Temple after offering prayers to Maa Narmada.
On the second day, the yatra commenced from Lamni village in the Achanakmar Sanctuary area. The number of devotees increased from around 500 on the first day to nearly 700.
“Yesterday, we covered a distance of about 30 kilometres. Today, nearly 700 Kanwariyas are walking with us. The path is filled with pebbles, stones, forests, and water, but with the Kanwar in hand, there is confidence in our hearts that our resolve will surely be fulfilled,” Bohra said.
She said the participation of 16 Baiga tribals and a large number of women and young girls was among the highlights of the yatra.
“The enthusiasm of every participant strengthens my resolve even further. In particular, the participation of the Baiga tribals and a large number of women makes this yatra truly special,” Bohra said.
According to Chatushnam, a Baiga tribal participating in the yatra, Bohra was not merely an MLA or an elder sister but a motherly figure who inspired them to join the religious journey.
“We really like her work. Now, we honour our parents and traditional deities and are participating in this yatra with great joy and enthusiasm,” he said.
The valley of Amarkantak on Monday resonated with slogans of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, ‘Bol Bam’ and ‘Narmada Maiya Ki Jai’ as more than 500 devotees set out on the padayatra during the holy month of Shravan.
The devotees are covering the route on foot carrying Kanwars on their shoulders, despite the challenging terrain comprising forests, stones, pebbles and stretches of water.
A large number of women and young girls are also participating in the yatra, adding to the distinct character of the pilgrimage. (ANI)
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