132nd Naam Saptha and Jeeveshwar Jaanmotshav at Dabhol Vitthal Mandir

Dabhol is a small town cum village which lies on western coastal line of India. Earlier there used to be around 70 to 80 homes of Swakul Sali community living with harmony. But as the time passed and due to the development of mills our weaving business declined and our Community relocated to Mumbai for bread and butter. However prior to 1887 our community had laid the foundation of Vitthal Mandir and they built a small temple in Dabhol. And since 1897 they started the naam saptha (7 days --- a week of praising lord). This year (2019) we celebrated the 132nd year of our naam saptha. Presently out of 70 to 80 homes only 4 to 5 homes are left. But still this small group of people celebrates 10 to 11 religious festivals as per ongoing rituals every year. But for naam saptha, it's special, community members of Mumbai, Pune, Thane come together to celebrate it in Dabhol. This community has close affection for music and there was literally singer in every home. So there is very good ongoing singing functions during naam saptha. In naam saptha there is Kakada every morning at 4 o'clock and there is a huge crowd for it too. So this is how the naam saptha is still being celebrated and we will continue it too like we did for past 132 years.

Now we have got our Mandir registered on 1953 and we got number as A89. Till date we have got ourselves audited by charity commissioner. Last year 2018-19 balance sheet has been got audited. Further our foundation which has around 200 years of history has decided to rebuild the Mandir, the work has already got started and founding stone has been laid on 28th October 2019. We are expecting a total expenditure of 80 lakhs which might go up to 1 crore, to rebuild the Mandir. Our community's financial status is straightforward and transparent. Community of Dabhol village has already contributed more than 50 percent of fund, that is more than 40 lakhs has already being contributed by community members. We anticipate that such a 200 year old rich and heritage foundation is very rare in Konkan belt. Most probably won’t be existing in Konkan if not exaggerated. Till date all functions are being celebrated by community. Though there are 4 to 5 homes still all rituals are being celebrated which is commendable. Also Jeeveshwar Function is also celebrated with great pomp. Reading Jeeveshwar script, chanting songs praising lord, Common lunch is still being done. This year we felicitated our Mr. Gajanan Sadashiv Ghate for being selected as notary. Our humble request to you is to contribute the way you can for rebuilding the Mandir. Be it monetary or physical goods all contributions will be highly appreciated. We anticipate our next naam saptha would be celebrated in new Mandir for which we want your support. We request you to donate on donation page.