Reservation for slaughterhouse in Alandi canceled, announced Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
'There will be no compromise when it comes to the faith of Warkaris, local communities, and farmers,' he said.
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News18
3 hours ago
- News18
What Is Pandharpur Wari, And Why Did Abu Azmi's Remarks Spark Political Row In Maharashtra?
Last Updated: The Pandharpur Wari is one of Maharashtra's most iconic spiritual journeys, a foot pilgrimage that attracts over a million devotees, known as Warkaris Maharashtra is witnessing an escalating debate over religious expression and public space usage as Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi's remarks on the ongoing Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage ignited a political firestorm. At the heart of the controversy is Azmi's comparison of the state's acceptance of massive Hindu pilgrimages like the Wari with the criticism directed at Muslims offering prayers in public spaces. As political noise brews over Azmi's remarks over Pandharpur Wari, the spotlight has now inadvertently turned to a deeper question: what exactly is this pilgrimage that captures the heart of Maharashtra year after year? The Pandharpur Wari is one of Maharashtra's most iconic spiritual journeys, a foot pilgrimage that attracts over a million devotees, known as Warkaris, who walk for days to reach the temple town of Pandharpur in Solapur district. Dedicated to Lord Vitthal – a form of Lord Krishna – and his consort Rukmini, the pilgrimage culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi, the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight of Ashadh (June–July). This year, the Wari began on June 19 and will conclude on July 6, with the final darshan of the deity. The tradition stretches back over 700 years and is deeply embedded in the Bhakti movement, with roots linked to saints such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Namdev, and Eknath. It is often referred to as the 'Kumbh Mela of Maharashtra" and is considered the spiritual heartbeat of the state. The Wari is not merely a religious procession; it is a profound symbol of Maharashtra's social cohesion. Men and women of all castes and religions walk together in devotional harmony. Warkaris chant bhajans, perform kirtans, and carry the padukas (holy footprints) of revered saints in ornately decorated palkhis (palanquins). They wear Tulsi malas, sport Gopichandan tilaks, and walk barefoot for nearly 250 kilometres. One of the unique highlights of the pilgrimage is the Ringan Sohala, where a sacred horse is released to run in circles, believed to be ridden by the souls of saints like Dnyaneshwar or Tukaram. Devotees cheer with fervour, symbolising divine presence and spiritual ecstasy. Moreover, the Wari has evolved with time. In recent years, it has incorporated modern elements like Swachhata Abhiyan (cleanliness drives) and Cycle Wari (environmental initiatives), promoting hygiene and sustainable pilgrimage practices. In a society often fragmented by caste, class, and religious divides, the Wari presents a counter-narrative of unity and mutual respect. There is no discrimination on the basis of gender or biological processes; women walk with equal pride, and menstruation is not a taboo. Devotees share meals, sorrows, and songs, creating a mobile community bound by shared values. As Maharashtra celebrates this ancient tradition, the political controversy surrounding Azmi's comments serves as a reminder of how easily faith can become a flashpoint in public discourse. But amid the noise, the Wari marches on – undaunted, inclusive, and rooted in devotion. Azmi, the state president of the Samajwadi Party and legislator from Mumbai's Mankhurd–Shivaji Nagar constituency, recently made contentious comments during an interaction with journalists, referring to the massive foot pilgrimage that halts traffic across several districts. 'I was coming from Pune and was told to leave early as the roads will be blocked for wari towards Pandharpur. But we (Muslims) have never complained (about it). Muslims and Hindus walk shoulder to shoulder like brothers. But deliberate attempts are made to create a divide," Azmi, MLA from Mumbai's Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar constituency, reportedly told PTI. Azmi's remarks drew sharp political backlash, especially when he invoked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial position on public prayers. Mosques are sometimes full during prayers so people offer namaz on the roads, which take 5-10 minutes, but the UP CM says those who indulge in such acts will lose their passports and driving licences, Azmi claimed. Muslims have never asked why festivals are celebrated on the roads, he added. Dismissing Azmi's statements as a desperate bid for attention, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, 'Azmi is known to make controversial remarks to get publicity. I don't give any importance to this." Echoing the sentiment, Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske, who is part of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said, 'There is grievance against the Muslim community due to leaders like Abu Azmi. The Pandharpur wari is older than the advent of Islam in India. Even Muslims take part in wari." Mhaske added that the wari by devotees is a very disciplined affair in which participants walk along the side of the road. With inputs from PTI Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : maharashtra Pandharpur Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: June 23, 2025, 15:28 IST News india What Is Pandharpur Wari, And Why Did Abu Azmi's Remarks Spark Political Row In Maharashtra?
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Pune Metro Hits Record High With Over 5.45 Lakh Riders Amid Wari Processions
Last Updated: The spike came as traffic restrictions were placed in central Pune and roads connecting to Pimpri-Chinchwad. Pune Metro recorded its highest-ever ridership over two consecutive days as road closures due to the Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi processions forced thousands to ditch their vehicles and opt for public transport. On Friday, 21 June, the metro welcomed an all-time high of 3.19 lakh passengers in a single day. Line 1 (PCMC to Swargate) carried 1,50,385 commuters, while Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi) saw 1,68,681 passengers, as per Hindustan Times. This was followed by another strong turnout on Saturday with 2.26 lakh people using the metro—almost double the daily average. With traffic restrictions imposed in central Pune and key routes to Pimpri-Chinchwad, especially around the Peth areas, most private vehicles were off the road. As a result, the metro emerged as the most convenient mode of transport, with even Warkaris hopping on board to visit family or reach central locations. Warkaris Embrace the Metro Experience Many Warkaris were spotted purchasing metro tickets and exploring stations near popular city landmarks. The metro's clean, fast, and air-conditioned coaches were a welcome change for many. Hemant Sonawane, Director (PR and Admin), Pune Metro, noted, 'Ridership this year is significantly higher compared to the same time during last year's Wari. The newly launched Civil Court to Swargate stretch played a big role, as many Warkaris were staying nearby." Pune Metro's previous highest single-day ridership was 1.99 lakh on 30 June 2023, also during the Wari. Before that, the record stood at 1.68 lakh on 15 August 2023. Mandar Deshmukh, a commuter from Kothrud, said, 'Due to roadblocks, I took the metro to Kalyani Nagar. It was fast, comfortable, and completely stress-free." With such strong numbers, Pune Metro has proven its value not just as a mode of transport, but as a true city saviour during festivals and disruptions. First Published:
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Pune Metro records over 5.45 lakh riders in two days as major roads closed due to Waris
With major roads closed due to the Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi processions, the Pune Metro witnessed a massive surge in ridership over two consecutive days recording over 5.45 lakh passengers on Friday and Saturday. On Friday (June 20), the metro saw its highest-ever single-day ridership of 319,066 passengers as both citizens and Warkaris opted for metro travel over congested roads. Of the 319,066 passengers, 150,385 commuters travelled on line 1 (PCMC to Swargate) while 168,681 used line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi). The high ridership trend continued on Saturday, June 21, with 226,600 passengers using the metro. On that day, line 1 saw 113,366 riders and line 2 had 113,234 riders. These figures are nearly double the average daily ridership on both corridors. Several Warkaris also took the metro to visit relatives living in the suburbs, enjoying the convenient and fast travel. The high ridership trend continued on Saturday, June 21, with 226,600 passengers using the metro. (HT) This surge in numbers comes as traffic curbs were imposed across central Pune and along roads connecting to Pimpri-Chinchwad, due to the halts of the Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhis or palanquins. Most Peth areas remained closed to private vehicles, pushing commuters towards public transport. Several Warkaris were seen purchasing tickets and exploring the stations near key city landmarks. Hemant Sonawane, director (public relations and administration), Pune Metro, said, 'Many Warkaris and residents chose the metro not just for convenience, but also to experience the ride for the first time. The ridership is higher compared to the corresponding period during last year's Wari procession. This year, we started the Civil Court to Swargate stretch where most of the Warkaris stayed during the Wari. It is a busy part of the city, so many local residents also opted for the metro.' Last year, Pune Metro's highest single-day ridership was 199,437 on June 30 during the Wari. The record before that was 168,012 on August 15, 2023. Mandar Deshmukh, a commuter from Kothrud who travelled to Kalyani Nagar, said, 'Because of roadblocks for the Wari procession, I decided to try the metro. It was fast, comfortable, and saved me from all the traffic chaos. I easily reached my destination without any stress.'
