Shirdi, Aug 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that Sarla Bet will be comprehensively developed as a major pilgrimage destination and spiritual centre for devotees across Maharashtra.
Speaking at an event organised on the occasion of the concluding Kalya Kirtan of the Akhand Harinam Week, Fadnavis said the government was focusing on the overall development of Sarla Bet. He said various projects, including a community hall, roads, flood-protection measures and solar energy facilities, were being undertaken as part of the development plan.
Fadnavis said that once the development projects were completed, Sarla Bet would emerge as an important centre of spiritual energy for devotees in Maharashtra.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Water Resources Minister and Ahmednagar Guardian Minister Dr Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, former minister Balasaheb Thorat, MP Bhausaheb Waghchaure, MLAs Vitthal Langhe, Amol Khatat, Ashutosh Kale, Vivek Kolhe and Ramesh Bornare, along with Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj and former MLA Bhausaheb Kamble, were among those present.
Referring to the tradition of the Akhand Harinam Week started by Sadguru Yogiraj Gangagiri Maharaj, Fadnavis said Sarla Bet has been a source of spiritual thought and inspiration for society. He said Harinam Sankirtan helps people overcome sorrow, shed ego and come together by rising above caste differences.
He said India's culture and civilisation are among the oldest in the world and that the country's spiritual traditions, values and Sanatan thought have continued for thousands of years despite numerous historical challenges.
Highlighting the participation of farmers in the Harinam celebrations, Fadnavis said the government was working for farmers, Warkaris, agricultural labourers and disadvantaged sections of society. He said the government had deposited loan-waiver amounts into the accounts of around 12.5 lakh farmers so far, while the process of providing loan waivers to 56 lakh farmers was underway.
The Chief Minister also said the government had decided to provide free electricity to farmers. At present, around 75 per cent of farmers receive eight hours of electricity during the daytime, with the government aiming to eventually provide daytime power to all farmers. He also expressed his determination to provide 12 hours of free electricity throughout the year in the future. The government has also decided to waive farmers' outstanding electricity bills amounting to Rs 58,000 crore, he said.
Harinam Week Brings Society Together: Eknath Shinde
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the Akhand Harinam Week as a unique spiritual event that brings society together. He said the region had benefited from the spiritual legacy and blessings of Yogiraj Gangagiri Maharaj, while Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj continues to spread the message of devotion.
Shinde said the 179-year-old tradition started by Gangagiri Maharaj continues to be observed with immense faith and devotion. He said the event creates an atmosphere of spirituality and harmony throughout the region and reflects the unity of people from surrounding villages.
Speaking about government welfare schemes, Shinde said the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana would continue. He also highlighted the Namo Shetkari Samman Yojana launched by the state government alongside the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
He said the government considers farmers its foremost priority and noted that Rs 5,000 crore had been deposited into the accounts of six lakh farmers during the second phase of the loan-waiver programme.
Harinam Week Provides Direction to Society: Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil
Guardian Minister Dr Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said the Akhand Harinam Week was not merely a religious event but a spiritual gathering that promotes social unity, peace and positive values.
He said the seven-day programme and the teachings of Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj conveyed messages of love, brotherhood, de-addiction and the creation of a strong society.
Vikhe Patil said Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj was carrying forward the spiritual legacy of the saints and that the government would extend necessary support to preserve and promote the historic and spiritual tradition of the Akhand Harinam Week.
During the programme, Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj was felicitated by Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Shinde for the group singing of the national song Vande Mataram. Senior leaders and dignitaries also participated in a traditional phugadi performance to the devotional song Soniyacha Din Aaj Ugavla.
