Warkaris descend on Dehu for 350th Tukaram Beej

Munde released a book on the occasion. In his speech, Munde said the State Government has already announced a grant of Rs 25 lakh for publishing Sant Tukaram Gatha8217;.

The government has already released Rs 5 lakh. The next tranche of Rs 10 lakh will be disbursed shortly. The grant will be useful for making available Sant Tukaram Gatha8217; at an affordable price, he said.

He said the teachings of Tukaram have inspired many as his thoughts were put across simply. The teachings were meant to eradicate superstitions. They proved that devotion had great motivation power. The religious rituals began at 3 a.m. and continued until noon when the devotees showered flowers at the place from which Sant Tukaram left for the heavenly abode. Bhajans and kirtans marked the celebrations. The State Transport, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Transport plied additional buses. The police had made adequate safety arrangements.

The year-long celebrations will conclude on Tuesday. Congress leader Sharad Pawar will be present for the function. More announced that three special awards were being instituted by Dehu Sansthan. Pawar will be given the award this year for his outstanding work in the development of pilgrim centres, and for spreading the message of equality.

Dilip Chitre and Ramakrishna Maharaj Lavitkar, experts who have studied the works of the sants, are among the awardees. Vice-chancellor of Pune University Dr Arun Nigavekar will present the awards at Dehu.