Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Banjara Heritage Museum at Pohradevi, a revered pilgrimage site in Manora taluka of Washim district on Saturday. Pohradevi holds immense cultural and religious significance for the Banjara community, being the Samadhi Sthal of Sant Sewalal Maharaj, a prominent spiritual leader of the Banjaras. The museum, part of the broader Sant Sewalal Maharaj Pohradevi Shrine Development Plan, showcases the community's vibrant history, culture, and traditions. Modi launched various initiatives related to the agricultural and animal husbandry sector worth around Rs 23,300 crore in Washim. Offering prayers to Pohradevi Mata from Washim, Prime Minister mentioned performing darshan and pooja at the temple of Mata Jagdamba, and about paying reverence to Sant Sevalal Maharaj and Sant Ramrao Maharaj at their samadhi. He also offered tributes to Rani Durgavati on her birth anniversary. Referring to the inauguration of Banjara Virasat Museum in Pohradevi, Modi said that the newly-inaugurated museum would introduce future generations to the ancient culture and vast heritage of Banjara community.

 

Modi said, “Banjara community has played a big role in India’s social life and journey of development.” He lauded the community’s resilience and its invaluable role in India’s development across diverse fields, including art, culture, spirituality, and trade. “Banjara community has given many such saints who have given immense energy to the spiritual consciousness of India,” he observed. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a detailed tour of the facility situated in the Nagara Bhawan area he seemed visibly impressed by the exhibits and took the time to learn about the community's deep-rooted traditions. As a gesture of solidarity with the Banjara people, he played the traditional ‘nagara’ instrument, much to the delight of those present. The Banjara Heritage Museum is a crucial component of the Sant Sewalal Maharaj Pohradevi Shrine Development Plan, which is being implemented with a significant investment of Rs 723 crore. The initiative aims to develop Pohradevi into a world-class pilgrimage site, providing improved infrastructure for devotees and tourists while preserving the area’s spiritual and cultural significance. In addition to the museum, the development plan includes upgrades to the surrounding shrine complex, better accommodation and amenities for pilgrims, and enhancements to local transport infrastructure.

 

Through various exhibits, the museum reflects the essence of Banjara life—from their attire to their rich cultural history. It also serves as a tribute to the resilience of the Banjara people, their journey through history, and their unique contributions to Indian society. Following the museum tour, Prime Minister Modi had a heartwarming interaction with prominent members and saints from the Banjara community. Eminent leaders of the Banjara community expressed their gratitude for the attention being paid to their heritage and the development of the shrine. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi arrived at the helipad in Vaigaul by helicopter, where he was greeted by Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Accompanying them were Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, as well as Guardian Minister Sanjay Rathod, and several senior officials, including Additional Director General of Police Naval Bajaj, Collector Buvaneshwari S and District Superintendent of Police Anuj Tare.