Maharashtra: Government seeks world heritage nomination for 'Pandharpur Wari'

Ajit Pawar. Pic/PTI

The Maharashtra government will send a proposal to United Nations agency UNESCO for world heritage nomination for the annual Pandharpur 'wari' (pilgrimage), which has a history of 1,000 years, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar told the legislative assembly on Friday, reported PTI.

As reported by the news agency, he said the government will also set up a separate corporation to provide facilities to Warkaris (devotees of Lord Vitthal), who undertake the annual pilgrimage from Alandi and Dehu in Pune district to the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur in Solapur district.

Making the announcement during his budget speech, Pawar said the corporation, 'Mukhyamantri Warkari Sampradaya Mahamandal,' will be established to provide facilities to warkaris, kirtankars (those who sing in praise of deities), and bhajani mandals (groups of devotional singers), as well as to manage the 250 km palkhi (palanquin) route, reported PTI.

The deputy CM said devotees from all over the state gathered to bow before Lord Vitthal.

The palkhi (palanquin) of Sant Tukaram reportedly departed from Dehu on Friday, while the palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar will leave Alandi on Saturday.

These palkhis carry 'padukas' (holy footprints) of the revered saints.

"This government is aware that Maharashtra's umbilical cord is connected with this wari (pilgrimage), which has a tradition of 1,000 years. Therefore, we are sending a proposal to UNESCO for world heritage nomination for the Pandharpur wari, which is recognised globally as the identity of Maharashtra," Pawar noted, reported PTI.

Acceptance of the nomination will provide cultural heritage status to the annual pilgrimage.

According to the PTI report, Pawar said the government has decided to provide a sum of Rs 20,000 per 'dindi' (group of devotees) for the pilgrimage this year. An allocation of Rs 36.71 crore has been made for this in the budget.

Reportedly, health check-ups of devotees will be conducted on all routes from Dehu-Alandi to Pandharpur through the Chief Minister's Medical Assistance Cell, and free medicines will be provided to them as per requirement, he added.

(with input from PTI)