In a powerful spiritual resurgence, Goa has transformed from a beach tourism hotspot into the epicentre of a Hindu cultural revival. The Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav, held from May 17–19, 2025, at Goa Engineering College’s Infinity Maidan in Farmagudi, drew a historic crowd of over 19,000 devotees from 23 countries. This grand event celebrated the 83rd birth anniversary of Sanatan Sanstha founder Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale and marked the organisation’s silver jubilee.
Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, addressing the congregation, praised Sanatan Sanstha for redefining Goa’s identity from a party destination to a hub of Sanatan Dharma. “People used to visit Goa for beaches. Now, they come to experience Indian culture. This Mahotsav is a milestone in reviving Dharma and boosting cultural tourism,” he said. Dr Athavale was felicitated by the state government during the ceremony, and in a symbolic gesture, he handed over a relief fund for national defence to the Chief Minister.
The event began with sacred conch-blowing, Vedic chants, and lamp-lighting and saw the presence of notable dignitaries, including Padma Shri Sadguru Brahmeshanand Swami Maharaj, Pujya Devakinandan Thakur, Union Minister Shripad Naik, Goa Ministers Sudin Dhavalikar and Subhash Phal Desai, BJP leader Damodar Naik, MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Sudarshan News CMD Suresh Chavhanke, and Sanatan Sanstha spokespersons Chetan Rajhans and Abhay Vartak.
Despite health concerns, Dr Athavale’s presence deeply inspired seekers. Shripad Naik described the event as the beginning of the Hindu Rashtra in the sacred land once blessed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Pujya Devakinandan Thakur declared, “Goa is not just sand and sea—it’s Parshuram Bhoomi.” He contrasted India’s spiritual progression with Pakistan’s turmoil, asserting that India is, and always will be, a Hindu Rashtra.
Padma Shri Sadguru Brahmeshanand Swami Maharaj called upon Hindus to awaken and protect Dharma, warning that inaction today could lead to regret tomorrow. Sanatan Sanstha’s spokesperson Chetan Rajhans highlighted that the event was not only a religious celebration but a powerful counter to threats against Sanatan Dharma, citing recent targeted killings in Pahalgam.
Royal scion and MP Yaduveer Wadiyar emphasised the Mahotsav’s non-political spiritual vision, rooted in service and tradition. Other dignitaries echoed similar sentiments, with chants of “Shri Ram” and calls for national spiritual unity resounding across the venue.
Key highlights included the release of a Hindi text and e-book on Dr Athavale’s life, the naming of the Mahotsav grounds as Bhagawan Parashuram Suvarnadwar, and symbolic displays including statues of Shri Ram and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Seven roads were named after the Saptarshi, and themed mandaps and food courts honoured deities and divine legends.
A rare exhibit—the 1000-year-old Sorathi Somnath Jyotirlinga—was displayed to the devotees, adding further spiritual gravity to the event.
As Goa resonates with the sound of conches and chants of Dharma, the Sanatan Shankhnad Mahotsav has not just marked a celebration but potentially laid the spiritual foundation for the envisioned Hindu Rashtra.
