Latest news with #Warkaris


Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde prays at Birla temple on Ashadhi Ekadashi; joins Gyan Dindi, students take part in Vitthal procession
On Ashadhi Ekadashi, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde offered prayers at the Birla Temple in Ulhasnagar KALYAN: On the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde offered prayers to Vitthal-Rakhumai at the renowned Birla Temple in the Shahad area of Ulhasnagar. In the presence of thousands of Warkaris from various parts of the state, referred to as 'Pratipandharpur', the deputy CM bowed at the feet of Vitthuraya. Earlier, he took part in the Gyan Dindi organised by B.K. Birla College and B.K. Birla School, where he joined the Warkaris in chanting Haripath and interacted with devotees. 'Heartiest wishes to all Warkaris on Ashadhi Ekadashi. I have recently visited Pandharpur. Since VIP darshan has been stopped there, now all the general Warkaris are getting darshan in just five hours. Everyone is happy, I have also stood in the queue and had darshan. All our party workers are following the rules. Pandharpur Temple Committee and Maharashtra Government have decided that VIP means Warkari, so every Warkari will get respect and priority. I pray at the feet of Pandurang that the people of Maharashtra enjoy happiness, prosperity and contentment in their lives,' said Shinde. Thousands of students from Birla School and College participated in traditional attire and were immersed in the name of Vitthal, dancing and singing to the rhythm of taal, mridung, and dholki. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Is Where Dealers Buy Cheap Cars vividtrendlab Undo The Dindi procession travelled from Birla College to the Vitthal Temple in Shahad. The Century Rayon family took the initiative for the event, as chants of 'Gyanoba-Tukaram, Vitthal Vitthal' echoed along the route. The procession was not just a display of religious devotion but also stood out for its discipline, cultural expression, and mass participation. The display of Vitthal devotion by the students left a deep impression on all those present.


Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ashadi Ekadashi: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, wife presides over Mahapuja at Vitthal-Rukhmini temple in Pandhapur
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his wife Amruta performed the Mahapuja at the Vitthal-Rukhmini temple in Pandharpur on Ashadi Ekadashi, amidst a gathering of over 2 million Warkaris. KOLHAPUR: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and his wife Amruta presided over the Mahapuja at Vitthal-Rukhmini temple of Pandhapur in Solapur district on Sunday morning on the occasion of auspicious day of Ashadi Ekadashi. More than 20 lakh Warkari's have arrived in the temple town, most of which walking hundreds of kilometers to reach the temple town and get darshan of Vitthal and Rukhmini. Among them were Kailas Damu Ugale and his wife Kalpana from Jategaon, taluka Nandgaon from Nashik district who got the honour to preside by CM and his wife's side for the Mahapuja. The couple from Nashik was given free pass for state transport bus travel for next one year. Fadnavis briefing the media after the ritual said, "I sought strength to overcome the challenges and walk on righteous path for the development of Maharashtra. I also sought farmers welfare, they get bumper yield this year." When asked bout the allegations by Mahayuti leaders that people with extreme views have infiltrated the Wari, Fadnavis said that those coming in Wari must have thought of Vitthal on his mind and eager to get his darshan. Those come with agenda is absolutely wrong " Fadnavis praised the administration for reducing the time for darshan. He said that with the efforts, the Warkari's get darshan within five hour less than normal time. He also said that the Pandhapur corridor will be developed without destroying the livelihood of local traders, residents.


Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
My first Alandi Pune Wari– A beautiful journey of faith
This year was truly special for me — I undertook my very first Wari, walking alongside the holy Padukas of Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli, from Alandi to Pune. It wasn't just a physical journey; it touched my soul and became an unforgettable moment in my life. For years, I had harbored the desire to do the Wari, but the thought of walking 23 kilometers always felt daunting. Every year, however, my husband would take part in the Wari with deep devotion. Watching his dedication slowly nurtured courage within me. And then, one day, I decided — this year, I will walk. With complete faith in Mauli. On the early morning of June 20, at 4 a.m., we left home. It had rained heavily the previous day, and the sky was still a bit cloudy. But there was faith in my heart — Mauli will take care of us. We reached Alandi by taxi at 5 a.m., after which vehicles were no longer allowed. So we began our walk. The road was filled with devotees — everyone walking with their own devotion. There was no sign of exhaustion on any face, only bhakti (devotion) and surrender. As we crossed the Indrayani river, I felt a deep stillness within. The river, swollen from the rains, was flowing in full force. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Η AMSTEL σε πάει Release Athens Η ψυχή σου ξεχειλίζει με λάιβ Εγγραφή Undo And yet, that moment felt calm and sacred. Alandi, bathed in the gentle morning light, looked divine. The air was filled with Mauli's name, devotional songs, the rhythmic beats of cymbals and mridang... I was covered in goosebumps. We reached Gandhivadya, where the first halt of the Palakhi (holy procession) takes place. We bowed down in reverence. A light drizzle began, and thousands of devotees had gathered in front of Mauli's wada (ancestral home). I closed my eyes, and my heart was filled with one emotion — gratitude. Even in that storm-like crowd, there was a strange stillness — of devotion, of surrender, and of unwavering faith. After taking darshan of the Palakhi, we prepared ourselves for the next stretch of the journey. As we walked, one sight deeply touched me — a group of women from rural villages, walking barefoot, carrying tulsi vrindavans (sacred basil planters) on their heads, proceeding calmly. I spoke to them and asked, 'Where are you from?' They replied, 'We're from Buldhana. We walk 12 hours a day.' I was stunned. But there was no fatigue on their faces — instead, there was a radiant glow. Their eyes sparkled with longing for darshan of Vitthal-Rukmini. The sight of Warkaris in pristine white clothes, the sound of cymbals, the beat of mridangs, and the soft drizzle — everything blended together to form a divine rhythm. At one point, I sat beside an elderly Warkari. He smiled and asked, 'Is this your first Wari?' I nodded. He said, 'This is not just walking — it's the path leading to Mauli. And once you walk it, you'll yearn for it every year.' Those words stirred something deep inside me... In the Wari, everyone is equal — from the youngest child to the oldest grandparent. A four-year-old child and an eighty-year-old grandfather — all were walking, chanting 'Dnyanoba Mauli, Tukaram!' The atmosphere was overflowing with devotion. After six hours of walking, we finally reached the Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple at 11 a.m. People stood on both sides of the street, flower-decked doorways welcomed us, conch shells sounded, and bhajans rang through the air. A little girl held her mother's hand and sang with deep feeling — 'Pandharinatha, come to visit me...' Her innocence melted away all the tiredness in me. As I stood amidst the crowd, looking at Bappa seated on his golden throne, I felt no desire to ask for anything. I just wanted to say one heartfelt word — thank you. With chants of 'Vitthal Vitthal' echoing through the air, the Warkaris have set off on their spiritual journey to Pandharpur for Ashadi Ekadashi, to be celebrated on 6th July 2025. This Wari was not just a walk — it was a celebration of culture and devotion. It connected me to my roots and showed me the power of collective faith. This was my first Wari... but one that will remain etched in my memory forever. By Mauli's grace, I was blessed with this experience — and there could be no greater joy than this. Authored by: Nilaja Paranjape If you too have a soul-touching story to share, then send it to us at: soulcurry@ Why Arjun Was Chosen: The Untold Secret of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 3


Time of India
30-06-2025
- Time of India
Two warkaris from Nagpur electrocuted in Satara district
Kolhapur: Two warkaris from Nagpur died on Sunday afternoon due to electrocution at Barad village (Phaltan tehsil) in Satara district. The incident occurred as they were setting up tents for Sant Dnyaneshwar's Palkhi, which was scheduled to make an overnight stop in the village. Police said Tushar Rameshwar Bawankule (22), from Khalasana, Nagpur was attempting to set up a tent pole when it came into contact with an overhead live wire. Madhukarrao Tukaram Shende (55), from Medical Chowk, Nagpur, rushed to his aid, but he was also electrocuted. Both men were immediately taken by ambulance to Natepute in the neighbouring Solapur district where doctors declared them brought dead. Police are currently investigating the exact cause of electrocution. The bodies of the deceased have been sent back to Nagpur by ambulance for their final rites. Shende was a dedicated follower of Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur and an active participant in the annual Wari, consistently joining the group of Warkaris who travel to Alandi in Pune for Sant Dnyaneshwar's Palkhi. The incident has been registered at Natepute police station and will be transferred to Phaltan Rural police station. In a related development, Solapur district collector Kumar Ashirwad said local authorities in Pandharpur have surveyed dilapidated buildings within the temple town, identifying approximately 130 such structures, including some Mutts. "There are some dangerous and extremely dangerous buildings in the town in which we will not let a single Warkari stay during the period of Ashadi Ekadashi for safety. The owners of the rest of the dangerous buildings have been issued notices to vacate in a day or two. No one will be allowed to stay in the buildings till June 10. We have already issued the orders," Ashirwad said.


Time of India
27-06-2025
- Time of India
Special unreserved train services between Hubballi and Pandharpur for Ashada Ekadashi
Hubballi: In view of the heavy rush of devotees during the Ashada Ekadashi festival, South Western Railway announced the operation of special unreserved train services between Shri Siddharoodha Swamiji, Hubballi, and Pandharpur. These trains are intended to facilitate smooth travel for pilgrims participating in the annual celebrations. Train No. 07313 SSS Hubballi–Pandharpur Unreserved Special will depart from Hubballi at 5.10am and reach Pandharpur at 4am the same day, with en route halts at Dharwad, Alnavar, Londa, Khanapur, Desur, Belagavi, Pachhapur, Gokak Road, Ghatprabha, Chikodi Road, Raybag, Chinchli, Kudachi, Ugar Khurd, Shedbal, Vijayanagar, Miraj, Arag, Dhalgaon, Jath Road, Wasud, and Sangola. Train No. 07314 Pandharpur–SSS Hubballi Unreserved Special will depart from Pandharpur at 6pm and arrive at Hubballi at 4am the next day, halting at the same stations in reverse order. The special train will comprise 10 coaches involving 8 general second class and 2 second class luggage-cum-brake vans/disabled coaches. These special services are expected to provide much-needed convenience to the travelling public, especially Warkaris and pilgrims heading to Pandharpur for Ashada Ekadashi festivities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cuối cùng, chơi miễn phí game chiến thuật hay nhất 2025! Sea of Conquest Phát ngay Undo Temporary extension of train services to Pandharpur Hubballi: In view of the Ashada Ekadashi festival at Pandharpur, South Western Railway has decided to temporarily extend two train services to Pandharpur for the convenience of pilgrims. Train No. 17334 Castle Rock – Miraj Express will be temporarily extended to run up to Pandharpur. The service will operate between Castle Rock and Pandharpur from July 4 to 9. There will be no change in timings between Castle Rock and Vijayanagar. In the extended portion, the train will arrive/depart Miraj at 12.20am/12.50am, reaching Pandharpur at No. 17331 Miraj – SSS Hubballi Express will be temporarily extended to originate from Pandharpur instead of Miraj. The service from Pandharpur to SSS Hubballi will run from July 5 to 10. The train will depart from Pandharpur at 4am, arrive at Miraj at 6.45am, and depart at 7.15am, with no change in timings from Vijayanagara to Hubballi.