On Saturday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially inaugurate the ‘Banjara Heritage’ Nangara Museum at Poharadevi, a significant site for the Banjara community located in Washim district. This visit marks the Prime Minister’s first trip to Poharadevi, generating great excitement among community members in anticipation of this landmark event.
The inauguration ceremony will feature several distinguished guests, including Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Yavatmal-Washim Guardian Minister Sanjay Rathod, who is also the event’s organizer. A wide array of ministers, MPs, MLAs, and representatives from the Banjara community across various states are expected to attend.
PM Modi’s arrival is scheduled for 10 am via special helicopter. Upon landing, he will visit the Jagdamba Temple and offer prayers at the tombs of Sant Sewalal Maharaj, the revered figure for over 100 million Banjara people across India, and Ramraobapu Maharaj. Following these rituals, he will inaugurate the Banjara Heritage Nangara Museum and deliver a public address to the attendees.
Poharadevi, often called the ‘Kashi of the Banjara Community,’ holds immense religious significance due to its historic shrines and temples, drawing millions of devotees each year. To provide a comprehensive view of the Banjara community’s heritage, Guardian Minister Sanjay Rathod envisioned the Nangara Museum as part of the broader Poharadevi development initiative. Established as a five-story structure, the museum was conceptualized in 2018 to highlight the Banjara community’s vibrant history and heritage, now standing as a world-class facility.
Covering 16 acres, the museum combines traditional and contemporary architectural styles, featuring 13 galleries that showcase the culture, history, and traditions of the Banjara people. The museum integrates cutting-edge technology, including a flying theater, moving platform, and rumbling platform. It offers information about the Banjara community’s history in seven different languages, ensuring a globally recognized visitor experience.
The Banjara Coordination Committee has advised attendees to arrive by 9 am to ensure security compliance ahead of the inauguration.