Vadnagar Shravanotsav: 108-artiste Damru Yatra launched by Gujarat Dy CM
Synopsis
Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the Vadnagar Shravanotsav with a 108-artiste Damru Yatra through the town's ancient lanes, culminating at Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple. The event also saw the launch of a Heritage Auto-Rickshaw service, signalling the state's intent to put Vadnagar firmly on India's cultural tourism map.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the Vadnagar Shravanotsav on 13 August in Mehsana district .
108 skilled artistes performed simultaneously in the Damru Yatra , which ran from Sharmishtha Lake to Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple .
Sanghavi personally played a damru to launch the procession and later offered prayers at Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
The Vadnagar Heritage Auto-Rickshaw service was launched to promote tourism in the historic town.
A post-event review meeting on Vadnagar's development works was held with senior district officials.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Thursday, 13 August inaugurated the state government's 'Vadnagar Shravanotsav' in the historic town of Vadnagar, Mehsana district, leading a ceremonial Damru Yatra that filled the town's ancient lanes with the resonance of 108 damrus played simultaneously by skilled artistes.
The Damru Yatra Route
The procession commenced at Sharmishtha Lake and wound through Arjun Bari, Bhagat na Galla, and Juna Chachra, before passing Shri Swaminarayan Temple and Gopalji Temple, culminating at Shri Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Sanghavi personally played a damru to mark the launch of the yatra, joining a large gathering of residents and devotees who participated in the procession.
Prayers, Prasad and Heritage Tourism
At the conclusion of the yatra, the Deputy Chief Minister offered prayers and performed worship at Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple. He also distributed prasad and Shiva kits among devotees. The occasion also saw the launch of the 'Vadnagar Heritage Auto-Rickshaw' service, a tourism initiative designed to help visitors explore the town's historically significant sites. Sanghavi took a ride in one of the heritage auto-rickshaws following the launch.
What the Government Said
Addressing the gathering, Sanghavi said: 'The Shravanotsav at Vadnagar is establishing a new identity on the global stage through a combination of devotion and art.' The event reflects the state government's broader push to position Vadnagar — the birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi — as a cultural and heritage tourism destination.
Officials and Development Review
The event was attended by senior political figures including District Panchayat president Nitin Patel, Unjha MLA Kirit Patel, Mehsana MLA Mukesh Patel, Kheralu MLA Sardarbhai Chaudhary, and Vadnagar Municipality president Mitika Shah. District Collector Shalini Duhan and senior officials Rajkumar Beniwal and Kuldeep Arya were also present. Following the religious programmes, Sanghavi held a review meeting with senior officials on ongoing development works in Vadnagar.
The Shravanotsav is part of a sustained effort to blend religious observance with heritage promotion, with Vadnagar's ancient temples and archaeological legacy increasingly drawing national and international attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vadnagar Shravanotsav?
The Vadnagar Shravanotsav is a state government-organised cultural and religious festival held in Vadnagar, Mehsana district, Gujarat, during the Hindu month of Shravan. It combines religious observances with heritage promotion, featuring events such as the 108-artiste Damru Yatra.
Who inaugurated the Vadnagar Shravanotsav in 2025?
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the Vadnagar Shravanotsav on 13 August 2025. He personally played a damru to launch the Damru Yatra and later offered prayers at Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
What was the route of the Damru Yatra?
The Damru Yatra began at Sharmishtha Lake and passed through Arjun Bari, Bhagat na Galla, and Juna Chachra, before proceeding via Shri Swaminarayan Temple and Gopalji Temple, concluding at Shri Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
What is the Vadnagar Heritage Auto-Rickshaw service?
The Vadnagar Heritage Auto-Rickshaw service is a tourism initiative launched during the Shravanotsav to help visitors explore the historic sites of Vadnagar. Deputy CM Sanghavi took a ride in one of the rickshaws after the formal launch.
Why is Vadnagar significant?
Vadnagar is a historically significant town in Mehsana district, Gujarat, known for its ancient temples, archaeological sites, and as the birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Gujarat government has been actively promoting it as a cultural heritage tourism destination.
