The temples in Pune shimmered with decorative lights and diyas on Tuesday evening, gearing up for Ashadhi Ekadashi tomorrow. Devotees of Lord Vitthal, unable to join the 'wari', seek blessings at these adorned temples.
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Every year, lakhs of devotees, chanting hymns of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram, embark on the 'wari' to Pandharpur, converging on Ashadhi Ekadashi from across Maharashtra. This pilgrimage, deeply rooted in tradition, draws participants from diverse backgrounds including peasants, labourers, and farmers.
Ahead of Ashadhi Ekadashi, the Maharashtra government decided to establish a corporation dedicated to providing essential facilities to 'warkaris' and 'kirtankars' (religious chanters). The corporation, named Mukhyamantri Warkari Mahamandal, aims to enhance pilgrimage management by overseeing increased 'dindis' (processions), improving infrastructure, and ensuring amenities like medical aid, food, security, and insurance.
Additionally, the corporation will focus on environmental stewardship, aiming to clean and preserve rivers such as Chandrabhaga, Indrayani, and Godavari along the pilgrimage routes.
