11 hours ago
30 Visually Impaired Devotees Join 521km Journey On Foot From Yavatmal To Pandharpur
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Yavatmal: Driven by unwavering devotion to Lord Vitthal, thousands of Warkaris across Maharashtra have embarked on the spiritual journey to Pandharpur. Among them, a unique and inspiring group stands out — 30 visually impaired devotees from Yavatmal, who have set out on a 521-km pilgrimage on foot.
This initiative, now in its second year, has been organized by the Seva Samarpan Pratishthan in association with the Divyang Seva Samiti. Early Monday morning, at 9am, the pilgrimage began with the ceremonial departure of a palanquin carrying the symbolic image and sandals (paduka) of Saint Surdas Maharaj from the local Siddhi Vinayak Temple.
The event was inaugurated by Yavatmal MLA Balasaheb Mangulkar and tehsildar Yogesh Deshmukh, who offered prayers and performed the palakhi pujan.
A large gathering of local citizens, organization members, and volunteers witnessed the spiritual send-off.
The idea of this Divyang Wari (special pilgrimage for the differently-abled) was conceived by Seva Samarpan Pratishthan president Prashant Banginwar. Last year, the initiative took its first steps, becoming a ray of hope and inspiration. All 30 participants currently reside at the organization's centre in Yavatmal, where they receive ongoing care and support.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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This year's pilgrimage will span 22 days, covering Arni, Digras, Pusad, Kalamnuri, Parbhani, Parli, Ambejogai, and Kurduwadi, before culminating at Pandharpur. The group will cover 20 to 2km on foot each day. Along the way, they will organize devotional programs such as bhajans and kirtans during evening halts.
The group consists of 25 visually impaired boys and 5 girls, accompanied by 10 dedicated volunteers, making a total of 40 participants.
Three support vehicles will travel alongside, ensuring safety and logistical aid. Families of Prashant and Prachi Banginwar, Prashant Parsodkar, and Pramod Jangade are actively involved in providing full-time assistance to the pilgrims throughout the journey.
This extraordinary initiative has received tremendous support from various sections of society, both in terms of funding and services. A large number of dignitaries and representatives of various organizations gathered to bid farewell to the group as they began their spiritual voyage to Pandharpur.
"I have been participating in the Wari every year. Last year, while preparing for the journey, some of the children expressed a desire to join. Seeing their enthusiasm, we began this special Wari for the visually impaired. This year, we have 22 visually impaired boys participating. It will take us 23 days to reach Pandharpur. Every evening, wherever we halt, we conduct devotional singing programs. The spirit and excitement of these children is truly heartwarming," said Raju Banginwar, president, Seva Samarpan Pratishthan.
