Voice of Gofane Family Honoured at Banjara Heritage Museum, Felicitated by Global Banjara Astitva Foundation
Voice of Gofane Family Honoured at Banjara Heritage Museum, Felicitated by Global Banjara Astitva Foundation
Chalisgaon (Correspondent):
At Poharadevi (District Washim), revered as the Kashi of the Banjara community, the world-class Banjara Virasat (Heritage) Museum—designed in the unique form of a Nangara—has become a powerful medium to showcase Banjara culture and history. In recognition of their remarkable contribution as voice narrators at this global-standard museum, Shri Eknath Gofane and Smt. Durga Gofane, a couple from Kargaon Tanda No. 3 in Chalisgaon taluka, were specially felicitated.
The honor was conferred by Shri Ashok Rathod, President of the Global Banjara Astitva Foundation, and Vice President Smt. Aarti Mahale, who presented a shawl, garland, and a certificate of appreciation during a ceremonial function.
History of the Community
The Banjara Virasat Museum is counted among the world’s largest structures shaped like a Nangara. Through audio-visual guides, visitors from India and abroad are introduced to the origins of the Banjara community, the trade traditions of Lamani Tandas, the life and work of Sant Sevalal Maharaj, and the rich heritage of Banjara handicrafts.
The cultural and social history of the community is narrated as background audio in the voices of Shri Eknath Gofane, Smt. Durga Gofane, and their family members—Ch. Bhushan, Ku. Padmashree, and Shri Gorakh Gofane—making the museum experience deeply engaging and impactful.
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On January 11, 2026, Shri Ashok Rathod, along with Dinkarbhau Rathod, Namotai Rathod, and other community members from the taluka, visited Poharadevi. While touring the museum galleries, they were profoundly moved upon hearing the Gofane family’s narration. Praising the initiative, Ashok Rathod stated that this effort to convey the community’s glorious history to the public is truly inspirational. Acknowledging their contribution, he personally met the Gofane family and felicitated them appropriately.
Preserving Banjara Identity
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Rathod said, “The Gofane family has not merely lent their voices; they have helped keep the culture and identity of the Banjara community alive. Their narration enables every visitor to understand Banjara heritage more effectively. Through this contribution, a historic cultural bond has been forged between Kargaon of Chalisgaon taluka and the cultural center at Poharadevi.”
Vice President Aarti Mahale also lauded the Gofane family for their invaluable cultural contribution.
The felicitation ceremony has created a joyful atmosphere across Chalisgaon taluka and the Kargaon Tanda region, with widespread appreciation being showered upon the Gofane family for their exemplary service to the community.
