Latest news with #PandharpurWari
India Gazette
06-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Delhi BJP chief joins symbolic Pandharpur Yatra to celebrate 800-year-old tradition
New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): Celebrating a centuries-old tradition rooted in devotion and community spirit, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party President Virendraa Sachdeva joined hundreds of participants in the fifth symbolic Pandharpur Yatra held in the national capital. The event mirrors the annual Pandharpur Wari in Maharashtra, one of India's most well-known pilgrimages, dedicated to Lord Vitthal. Speaking to ANI during the event, Sachdeva said, 'This is Pandharpur yatra that is carried out all over in Maharashtra with lot of excitement and devotion. This is an 800-year-old tradition that was started by Sant Gyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram.' He added, 'This is our 5th wari (Yatra) in Delhi. We have been trying continually to organise such Yatras in Delhi where everyone can participate. We celebrate this Yatra of Vitthal with a lot of excitement and faith.' The Pandharpur Wari, also known as the Pandharpur Yatra, is a major Hindu pilgrimage that brings together thousands of devotees, known as Warkaris. Every year, they walk around 250 kilometres to reach the holy town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra. Held in honour of Lord Vitthal, a form of Lord Vishnu, and his consort Rukmini, the Wari has been followed for centuries. It is closely associated with the teachings and lives of revered saints like Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, who are credited with starting and popularising the tradition. Large processions, known as Palkhis, begin from the towns of Dehu and Alandi--birthplaces of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar. These processions carry the sacred footwear (padukas) of the saints and are followed by thousands of devotees. This year, the Palkhi of Sant Tukaram set off from Dehu on June 18, 2025, while the Palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar departed from Alandi on June 19, 2025. The pilgrimage ends in Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, which falls on July 6, 2025. Throughout the Wari, devotees sing traditional devotional songs called abhangas, perform kirtans, and chant the name of Lord Vitthal. Many also take a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga River before seeking blessings at the Shree Vitthal Rukmini temple by touching the feet of the Vithoba idol. (ANI)
Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘It's due for a long time': passengers' association from Jejuri demand renaming of Mumbai-Kolhapur Vande Bharat Express
Passenger groups from Jejuri in Maharashtra's Pune district Thursday demanded that the Mumbai-Kolhapur Vande Bharat Express be renamed to honour the city's spiritual importance, and given a halt at the railway station in the temple town. Jejuri is a significant pilgrimage site in Maharashtra, renowned for the Khandoba Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Khandoba, a form of Lord Shiva. 'We already have Mahalaxmi Express and Balaji Express pertaining to the specific religious places. And our demand also includes that the Jejuri railway station be included in the Amrit Bharat Railway Station development project,' said Vijay Khomane, president, Jejuri Railway Passengers Association. 'Jejuri is home to the famous Khandoba temple, which attracts devotees from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and other states. The temple also draws massive crowds during festivals, particularly during Vijayadashami when devotees gather to witness the traditional 42-kg sword competition. So, the railway station deserves better connectivity and recognition, and is due for a long time,' said Khomane. The demand has received backing from local organisations, including representatives from various community groups, religious trusts, and political parties such as the BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), among others. Jejuri also serves as a stopover point for devotees participating in the Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage. Beyond its religious significance, Jejuri is witnessing the emergence of new industries and agricultural exports, particularly figs and custard apples. Amol Shewale, vice president of the Jejuri Railway Passengers Association, said, 'Jejuri is experiencing rapid development. An international airport is being planned in the Jejurigad Panchkroshi area, and the industrial sector is expanding. This pace of growth needs better railway connectivity and infrastructure.' 'We are not asking for too much. Proper recognition of our town's importance through improved train connectivity and renaming. Our demands are fair, and we request that the Railway authorities prioritise this matter. Else, we will be carrying out a rail blockade if our demands are not met,' added Shewale. The Mumbai-Kolhapur Vande Bharat Express runs every day of the week, except Tuesday. The stops between Mumbai and Kolhapur are Dadar, Kalyan, Pune, Satara, Karad and Miraj. (Shubham Kurale is an intern with The Indian Express)
India Today
23-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi compares Pandharpur Wari to offering Namaz on road
Maharashtra Samajwadi Party Chief and Mumbai MLA Abu Asim Azmi has sparked off a controversy by comparing the centuries-old pilgrimage Pandharpur Wari to offering Namaz on the roads, drawing sharp remarks from the BJP and other parties of the ruling coalition in the state. Referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath comments about cancelling the passports of those who offer namaz on the road, Azmi said, 'Many Hindu festivals are celebrated on the roads. But no Muslim person complains about Hindu festivals. But when a Muslim offers prayers on the road for ten minutes, a complaint is made." advertisement"The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, is threatening to cancel passports and driving licences. While leaving from Pune, I was told to leave soon, otherwise the roads would be shut due to the movement of Palkhi," he added. Earlier too, a political storm had erupted over Abu Asim Azmi's statement glorifying Aurangzeb, following which he was suspended from the to Azmi's comments on the Warkari movement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, 'Azmi makes such comments to get publicity. I don't want to give them my attention.'Responding to Fadnavis, Azmi said, 'I have not said anything wrong. I am ready to welcome Hindu festivals, but if Muslims offer namaz on roads for 10 minutes due to shortage of space, there is outrage.'Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MP Naresh Mhaske said, 'Azmi is making such anti-national statements to create disturbances in two communities. Rights to vote and stand for the election of such people should be snatched."advertisementSupporting the wari, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has said that such comments won't be tolerated. 'If our Mahakumbh, our wari, starts, he would object to it. Our wari doesn't last a year, but namaz is offered by large crowd every Friday. We will not tolerate this here. If we raise a question about the Haj pilgrimage tomorrow, will it work? No one should dare to talk about the wari. Our wari will continue like this," said Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Commission Chairman Pyare Khan said he would issue a notice to Azmi for his comments on Wari as his statements were unreasonable. 'Abu Azmi's statement regarding Wari is unreasonable and will create a rift between the two communities. We will issue a notice to Abu Azmi under Section 10 regarding his statement. Moreover, if necessary, we will ask him to appear before the commission and reply," he said. "If Abu Azmi's statement regarding Wari causes riots anywhere in Maharashtra, a case will be registered against Abu Azmi in the nearest police station,' said the Minorities Commission Chairman.- EndsMust Watch
News18
23-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
What Is Pandharpur Wari, And Why Did Abu Azmi's Remarks Spark Political Row In Maharashtra?
Last Updated: 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 Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : maharashtra Pandharpur Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: June 23, 2025, 15:28 IST News india What Is Pandharpur Wari, And Why Did Abu Azmi's Remarks Spark Political Row In Maharashtra?
Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Walking with the Constitution: BARTI's Sanvidhan Dindi brings Ambedkar's vision to the Wari
As the spiritual fervour of the Pandharpur Wari sweeps through Maharashtra, one distinct procession quietly but powerfully walks alongside BARTI's Sanvidhan Dindi, a march that carries the spirit of the Constitution. Organised by the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI), the Sanvidhan Dindi has now become a tradition for nearly a decade. What started as a small initiative to remind people of the ideals of the Indian Constitution, liberty, equality, and fraternity, has grown into a powerful movement within the Wari. 'We are trying to promote liberty, equality, and fraternity, because that was the real reason behind the Wari itself,' says Sheetal Bandgar, Project Officer at BARTI. 'This was the same vision that both Tukaram Maharaj and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had of an equal, inclusive, and awakened society.' Each year, 10 to 12 BARTI staff members walk the full stretch from Alandi to Pandharpur, but the impact is far greater. Thousands of Warkaris inspired by the Dindi's message join the group, read from the Constitution, and participate in awareness activities held along the way. Banners bearing excerpts from the Preamble, quotes by Dr Ambedkar, and discussions on fundamental rights and duties are all part of the Dindi's unique setup. Booklets are distributed, street plays are performed, and readings of the Constitution are done under makeshift tents, right on the dusty paths of the Wari. One such inspired participant is Rutuja Jagtap, a 19-year-old Warkari from Nashik, who joined the Dindi with her grandmother. 'This is one of the most meaningful things I've seen in the entire Wari,' she says. 'I came here for devotion, but I found awareness. It's a perfect blend of bhakti and samajik jagrukta (social consciousness).' For the youth walking in the Wari, the Sanvidhan Dindi becomes an unexpected classroom, one where the Constitution meets the collective consciousness, and faith walks hand in hand with responsibility. As lakhs of pilgrims make their way to Pandharpur in search of spiritual fulfillment, the Sanvidhan Dindi reminds them that social justice and equality are just as sacred. It's not just a walk for God, it's a walk for a better, more just India.
