These doliwallahs will help the infirm keep date with mega event

Around 300 doliwallahs, all from Shikharji in Jharkhand, have reached Shravanabelagola to carry the old and the disabled to the summit of the Vindhyagiri Hill here during the Mahamastakabhisheka.

All the 300 people have expertise in carrying dolis (chair-like structures), in which the infirm devotees are ferried. Each doli is carried by four people. As many as 75 dolis are ready to carry the devotees.

The doliwallahs climb the hill with the support of a five-foot-long stick and ensure that those sitting in the doli are not inconvenienced.

Vindhyagiri is at a height of 470 feet from the ground level. To have darshan of Bahubali's statue, one should climb 630 steps. The Archaeology department has constructed special steps for the doli carriers.

Speaking to DH, Doliwallah Manoj said they were ready to carry the devotees to the top of the mountain and the fee collected depends on the weight of the person.

All the doliwallahs hail from Madhuban, Giridih district, Jharkhand, located at the foothill of Shikharji, the popular Jain pilgrimage centre, where 20 theerthankaras attained (moksha) salvation.

The pilgrimage to Shikharji is a round trip of 27 km through Madhuban forest. The Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri hills are not so difficult for the doliwallahs compared to Shikharji yatra.

There are also local doliwallahs carrying devotees to the top the hill. The district administration has fixed Rs 10,000 per month per person for them and the doliwallahs charge Rs 700 per person, said Ramesh.