Bolava Vitthal: A musical event to be held on July 14

An evening of devotional music ‘Bolava Vitthal’ will be organised in city on July 14. The musical event will be held to observe the Ashadi Ekadashi.

Organised by Directorate of Culture, Madhya Pradesh ahd Madhya Pradesh Marathi Sahitya Academy, the grand evening of Bhakti songs will begin from 6:30 pm at Manas Bhavan. Further, the event is organised under the auspices of Pancham Nishad Creative, Mumbai.

The devotional musical evening will feature renowned singers like Jayitirtha Mewundi and famous singers of Carnatic style music Rajni and Gayatri. They will present Marathi Abhang and devotional songs.

President of Marathi Sahitya Academy, Ashwin Khare told that saints like Saint Dyaneshwar, Saint Tukaram, Saint Eknath, Sant Namdev, Saint Chokhamela have contributed to the society. He said that in Maharashtra there is a tradition of singing devotional songs for the god under which the event Bolva Vithal is being organised in the city.

It is to be noted that on this day images of Vishnu and Lakshmi are worshipped, the entire night is spent singing prayers, and devotees keep fast and take vows on this day, to be observed during the entire chaturmas, the holy four-month period of rainy season.

In the scripture Bhavishyottara Purana, the story of king Mandata is narrated in this context. The pious king's country had faced drought for three years, but the king was unable to find a solution to please the rain gods. Finally, sage Angiras advised the king to observe the vow of Dev-shayani ekadashi. On doing so by the grace of Vishnu, there was rain in the kingdom.