What Is Pandharpur Wari, And Why Did Abu Azmi's Remarks Spark Political Row In Maharashtra?
The Pandharpur Wari is one of Maharashtra's most iconic spiritual journeys, a foot pilgrimage that attracts over a million devotees, known as Warkaris
Maharashtra is witnessing an escalating debate over religious expression and public space usage as Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi's remarks on the ongoing Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage ignited a political firestorm. At the heart of the controversy is Azmi's comparison of the state's acceptance of massive Hindu pilgrimages like the Wari with the criticism directed at Muslims offering prayers in public spaces.
As political noise brews over Azmi's remarks over Pandharpur Wari, the spotlight has now inadvertently turned to a deeper question: what exactly is this pilgrimage that captures the heart of Maharashtra year after year?
The Pandharpur Wari is one of Maharashtra's most iconic spiritual journeys, a foot pilgrimage that attracts over a million devotees, known as Warkaris, who walk for days to reach the temple town of Pandharpur in Solapur district. Dedicated to Lord Vitthal – a form of Lord Krishna – and his consort Rukmini, the pilgrimage culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi, the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight of Ashadh (June–July).
This year, the Wari began on June 19 and will conclude on July 6, with the final darshan of the deity. The tradition stretches back over 700 years and is deeply embedded in the Bhakti movement, with roots linked to saints such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Namdev, and Eknath. It is often referred to as the 'Kumbh Mela of Maharashtra" and is considered the spiritual heartbeat of the state.
The Wari is not merely a religious procession; it is a profound symbol of Maharashtra's social cohesion. Men and women of all castes and religions walk together in devotional harmony. Warkaris chant bhajans, perform kirtans, and carry the padukas (holy footprints) of revered saints in ornately decorated palkhis (palanquins). They wear Tulsi malas, sport Gopichandan tilaks, and walk barefoot for nearly 250 kilometres.
One of the unique highlights of the pilgrimage is the Ringan Sohala, where a sacred horse is released to run in circles, believed to be ridden by the souls of saints like Dnyaneshwar or Tukaram. Devotees cheer with fervour, symbolising divine presence and spiritual ecstasy.
Moreover, the Wari has evolved with time. In recent years, it has incorporated modern elements like Swachhata Abhiyan (cleanliness drives) and Cycle Wari (environmental initiatives), promoting hygiene and sustainable pilgrimage practices.
In a society often fragmented by caste, class, and religious divides, the Wari presents a counter-narrative of unity and mutual respect. There is no discrimination on the basis of gender or biological processes; women walk with equal pride, and menstruation is not a taboo. Devotees share meals, sorrows, and songs, creating a mobile community bound by shared values.
As Maharashtra celebrates this ancient tradition, the political controversy surrounding Azmi's comments serves as a reminder of how easily faith can become a flashpoint in public discourse. But amid the noise, the Wari marches on – undaunted, inclusive, and rooted in devotion.
Azmi, the state president of the Samajwadi Party and legislator from Mumbai's Mankhurd–Shivaji Nagar constituency, recently made contentious comments during an interaction with journalists, referring to the massive foot pilgrimage that halts traffic across several districts. 'I was coming from Pune and was told to leave early as the roads will be blocked for wari towards Pandharpur. But we (Muslims) have never complained (about it). Muslims and Hindus walk shoulder to shoulder like brothers. But deliberate attempts are made to create a divide," Azmi, MLA from Mumbai's Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar constituency, reportedly told PTI.
Azmi's remarks drew sharp political backlash, especially when he invoked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial position on public prayers. Mosques are sometimes full during prayers so people offer namaz on the roads, which take 5-10 minutes, but the UP CM says those who indulge in such acts will lose their passports and driving licences, Azmi claimed. Muslims have never asked why festivals are celebrated on the roads, he added.
Dismissing Azmi's statements as a desperate bid for attention, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, 'Azmi is known to make controversial remarks to get publicity. I don't give any importance to this."
Echoing the sentiment, Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske, who is part of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said, 'There is grievance against the Muslim community due to leaders like Abu Azmi. The Pandharpur wari is older than the advent of Islam in India. Even Muslims take part in wari." Mhaske added that the wari by devotees is a very disciplined affair in which participants walk along the side of the road.
With inputs from PTI
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Maharashtra, India, India
First Published:
June 23, 2025, 15:28 IST
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