Bardeskars : The reasons for their exodus from Goa
The Navhind Times, Panjim, Goa, December 3, 1982 Their way of reaching Him By Camil Parkhe Panjim, Dec. 3 – Among the thousands who flocked the Bom Jesu Basilica at Old Goa was a ‘strange’ group of a few pilgrims coming to touch the feet of St. Francis Xavier at Old Goa, today shattered many people’s conceptions, beliefs about Christianity which they had preserved for many years. The group of 27 pilgrims, coming from Ajara (Kolhapur district) was led by a Jesuit priest. Fr. Prabhudhar, and Santaji, a young man. A majority of them were college students, some even of only 17 years of age. Crossing everyday 35 kms. On an average they covered the distance of 140 kms. On foot in four days. The strange thing people found in them was that these pilgrims, though hardcore Catholics, were singing Marathi, Konkani Bhajans and that also along with the tune of cymbals (tal) around their necks! These Warkaris, chanting Nam-japa or even Abhangas of Sant Tukaram a prominent saint fro...