Origins and Significance of the Wari festival
The festival of Wari was originated by Vitthalpant, but it is believed that Chattrapati Shivaji was the one who took the decision and worked towards protecting the tradition of Wari. The Pandharpur Wari yatra is taken to pay tribute to Vithoba also known as Panduranga or Vithal. This tradition goes back to almost 700- 800 years. People march from various parts of Maharashtra to the Vithoba Temple which takes 21 days. The pilgrims wear basil beads and sing songs of glory on their way to Pandharpur.
Large Scale celebration of Wari in Maharashtra
The pandemic ceased many things from happening all over the world and one of them is also the celebration of Wari in Maharashtra. After two years of not celebrating this very important festival, this year the festivities will bring new colors of joy and happiness among the people of Maharashtra.
The procession started with almost 400 pilgrims from Phaltan (a town in the Satara District of Maharashtra). Devotees from different parts of Maharashtra who are also called Warkaris have started their journey towards Pandharpur. This entire journey is taken on foot for the devotees to declare their faith and belief in their saint poets (Saint Dnyaneshwar and Saint Tukaram).
The Saint Tukaram palanquin started from Akurdi (Village in Mawal Taluka of the Pune district) and the Saint Dnyaneshwar palanquin started from Alandi (a town in the Pune District which was also the resting place of Saint Dnyaneshwar). Since the celebration shave resumed after 2 years, the number of pilgrims has increased manifold.
When the Warkaris entered the city of Pune, a helicopter showered flowers on them, and they were given treated with biscuits, bananas and soft drinks. The 3-week-long journey will come to an end on 10th July at Pandharpur.
Maharashtra Tourism takes part for the first time
Maharashtra Tourism takes part in the Pandharpur Wari procession for the first time while also announcing its own “Tourism Dindi” along with it. The Directorate of Tourism will also participate in the 3-week procession.
The Directorate of Tourism has announced that they will arrange LED vans that will make people aware about the many beautiful and stunning tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Reporters from different Media organizations will be given the opportunity to take a tour of the caravan.
The beauty of the Pandharpur Wari procession
We have to agree that walking on foot for 3 weeks is not easy but the way the pilgrims and devotees of Maharashtra come together during this time of the year and walk such long distances barefoot is admirable. For them, it is not about the distance they walk for, it is the destination they want to reach. Endless number of people wearing white dhotis and sarees marching together chanting “Vithu-Mauli” is nothing but bliss to the eyes and heart of the people.