Lakhs Of Warkaris Gather In Pandharpur For Ashadhi Ekadashi

Lakhs of Warkaris thronged the banks of the Chandrabhaga River in Pandharpur on Saturday as the annual Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage culminated on Ashadhi Ekadashi.

The 800-year-old Pandharpur Wari is an annual pilgrimage in Maharashtra during which millions of devotees walk on foot to Pandharpur to offer prayers to Lord Vithoba.

This year's Wari began on July 7 and concluded on July 25. Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan offered prayers at the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple on Saturday morning.

Mahajan said he visits Pandharpur every year to oversee arrangements, adding that disaster management is his portfolio. He noted that the crowd is huge and all records have been broken.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also performed the mahapuja at the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple. Tawde prayed that the Lord gives her the strength to carry on the good health and wealth of the people of Mumbai.

Earlier on July 13, three women pilgrims of Ashad Wari were killed, and four other people were injured after a truck carrying pilgrims rammed into a group of pilgrims on the Saswad-Jejuri Road in Pune district.

The accident occurred around 500 metres from the Belsar Toll Naka towards Jejuri, near Hotel Shipdeep Lodging. The truck belonged to the 'Dindi' from Nanded district and was involved in an accident with seven women Warkaris from a 'Dindi' from Sangli district.

Three women died in the accident, while four others sustained injuries. The injured were shifted to an ICU hospital in Jejuri for treatment.

The truck was being driven by a 70-year-old man, who has been detained.

The annual Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage is a significant event in Maharashtra, with millions of devotees participating every year. The pilgrimage is a testament to the devotion and faith of the people of Maharashtra.

The event is also a major logistical challenge, with the state government and local authorities working together to ensure the safe and smooth passage of the pilgrims.

In conclusion, the culmination of the Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage on Ashadhi Ekadashi is a significant event that showcases the devotion and faith of the people of Maharashtra.

The event is a major cultural and religious phenomenon that brings together millions of people from all over the state.

It is a testament to the power of faith and devotion, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.