DURGA MATA DAUD (DURGA MATA RUN) is a unique feature of Belgaum City. This event occurs every year during NAVARATRA FESTIVAL. The objective behind this run is to create awareness among people, expressing solidarity with and inspiring the youth to lead a healthy life free from intoxication and other evils of society. The run is also aimed at inculcating patriotic and brotherhood feelings and motivating the youth to work for building a strong nation, both economically and culturally. Children garbed in the colourful costumes of Shivaji and his mother, Jijabai, and soldiers lead the run in a chariot.
The run begins on the first day of NAVARATRA FESTIVAL and ends on VIJAYADASHAMI (Popularly known as DASARA). In 9 days more than 30000 people of all age groups, even women join this run. The run covers all parts of Belgaum with one part every day.
This year’s run was very special because of the presence of Dr. Amol Kolhe. Dr. Kolhe plays the character of “SHIVAJI’ in a Marathi serial ‘RAJA SHIVACHATRAPATI’ broadcasted on Star Pravah.
I took the opportunity to be the part of this run on last day. Because of Dr. Kolhe’s arrival, people gathered in huge numbers around 10000 to be a part of this run. The run was scheduled to begin from Maruti Temple (Maruti Galli) at 5.30 am and the end point was Jatti Math (Bogarves). This run was planned such as it will cover all the famous temples of Belgaum City. However Dr. Kolhe was present only to kick start the event and he didn't take part in actual run.