Latest news with #Warkari
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Dharma, adhyatma foundation above politics: Shinde
Kolhapur: The foundation (adhishthan) of dharma and adhyatma (religion and spirituality) is above politics, said deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde after receiving the 'Sant Shiromani Namdeo Maharaj' award at Pandharpur on Thursday. Namdeo Maharaj was the 14th-century saint who crisscrossed northern India to spread the teachings of Bhagwat dharma followed by the Warkari sect. His dohas, or couplets, are also found in Guru Granth Sahib revered by Sikhs. "The govt places the foundation of religion and spirituality above politics. For the first time in history, the govt has announced grants for Warkari processions, along with facilities such as insurance coverage, health check-up camps, clean drinking water, accommodation, and sanitation," said Shinde. "The govt has increased grants for pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra from Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore. Recognising temples as cultural centres, the govt has granted the status of 'Rajya Mata' to the cow. Additionally, a dedicated Warkari Corporation has been established to address the needs of the Warkari community more effectively," added the deputy CM.
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- The Hindu
Seamless service and zero incidents: Solapur Railway Division's remarkable handling of Ashadhi Fair pilgrims
The Solapur Division of Central Railway played a pivotal role in facilitating the pilgrimage of lakhs of Warkari devotees during the Ashadhi Fair 2025 at Pandharpur in Maharashtra, ensuring their travel was safe, seamless, and filled with compassion. As per the information provided by the railway officials, more than two lakh passengers passed through Pandharpur Railway Station alone between July 1 and July 10. In response to the surge, the division successfully operated 239 trains — 121 special and 118 regular — on a single-line section, an exceptional feat of coordination. On the main day of Ekadashi (July 6), 22 trains were run, followed by 18 trains the next day to disperse the massive crowd. Meticulous planning and logistical arrangements Thanks to meticulous planning and teamwork, the entire operation concluded with zero injuries or casualties, marking a significant achievement in crowd management. This success was made possible not only through logistical arrangements but also through the dedication and selfless service of railway staff, security forces, and civil defence volunteers, who guided elderly passengers, provided medical aid, and ensured order at every step. To make ticketing effortless, the existing infrastructure was scaled up with nine additional Unreserved Ticketing Systems (UTS), Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and Mobile UTS Terminals (electronic devices or tablets carried by ticketing staff). Three holding zones covering 2,680 square metres, equipped with drinking water and toilet facilities, were set up to accommodate pilgrims during peak rush hours. Over 50 passenger guidance boards and special timetables were installed across the city and station to direct devotees to key locations, aided by 24/7 help desks manned by Commercial and RPF staff. Electrical supply was ensured through two standby diesel generator sets of 125 KV each. Indicator boards, including five-line and single-line displays, were placed across platforms and waiting areas. Security was strengthened with increased deployment of personnel and the installation of CCTV cameras and megaphones, with a control room set up at the CCTV hub to oversee safety. Health and emergency arrangements were comprehensive, with a dedicated team of 13 medical personnel, including three doctors on constant duty, supported by ambulance services and volunteers. Cleanliness and hygiene were maintained with 150 mobile toilets, 60 permanent toilets, 20 bathrooms, and continuous sanitation work. Drinking water was made available through 91 taps, with free packaged water and juice distributed by the State for the benefit of the devotees. Commitment to public service 'To handle the massive turnout efficiently, commercial staff were deployed for ticket issuance and checking, while commercial supervisors managed crowd control in shifts. Officers from various departments, including operating, commercial, electrical, signal and telecommunications, engineering, security, and medical, worked in close coordination. The Ashadhi Fair 2025 showcased the Solapur Division's unwavering commitment to public service,' Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Sujeet Mishra, who supervised operations from Kurduvadi station, said. At Pandharpur station, on-ground supervision was led by Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr DCM) Yogesh Patil, Divisional Security Commissioner (DSC) RPF Aditya, Assistant Security Commissioner (ASC) RPF Shri Rajeev Kanuajia, and Assistant Operating Manager (AOM) Shri Lakhanji Jha. Their efforts, supported by a committed team, ensured end-to-end operational readiness.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Prahar Wasudeoleela School holds vibrant Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations
1 2 3 4 5 Nagpur: Prahar Wasudeoleela Military School, marked the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi with a vibrant and spiritually enriching celebration that blended devotion, discipline, and cultural heritage. The event commenced with a traditional Bharat Mata puja. The school organised devotional activities including bhajans and abhangas dedicated to Lord Vitthal, creating an atmosphere of spiritual reverence. These performances highlighted the students' musical talents and deepened their understanding of Maharashtra's rich devotional traditions. The celebration also featured a speech by Flt Lt Shiwalee Deshpande (retd), emphasising the significance of Ashadhi Ekadashi and the teachings of the Warkari movement. These talks aimed to educate students about the cultural and spiritual importance of the festival, fostering a sense of respect and appreciation for their heritage. The event concluded with a traditional 'Dindi', where students dressed in colorful traditional attire enthusiastically chanted 'Jai Hari Vitthal Jai Jai Vitthal' as they marched through the campus. This procession aimed to instill values of unity, devotion, and cultural pride among the Praharis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Principal Sheetal Bageshwar expressed pride in the students' enthusiastic participation, stating, "Celebrating Ashadhi Ekadashi at our school is not just about honouring a tradition; it's about nurturing the spiritual and cultural growth of our students."
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde prays at Birla temple on Ashadhi Ekadashi; joins Gyan Dindi, students take part in Vitthal procession
On Ashadhi Ekadashi, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde offered prayers at the Birla Temple in Ulhasnagar KALYAN: On the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde offered prayers to Vitthal-Rakhumai at the renowned Birla Temple in the Shahad area of Ulhasnagar. In the presence of thousands of Warkaris from various parts of the state, referred to as 'Pratipandharpur', the deputy CM bowed at the feet of Vitthuraya. Earlier, he took part in the Gyan Dindi organised by B.K. Birla College and B.K. Birla School, where he joined the Warkaris in chanting Haripath and interacted with devotees. 'Heartiest wishes to all Warkaris on Ashadhi Ekadashi. I have recently visited Pandharpur. Since VIP darshan has been stopped there, now all the general Warkaris are getting darshan in just five hours. Everyone is happy, I have also stood in the queue and had darshan. All our party workers are following the rules. Pandharpur Temple Committee and Maharashtra Government have decided that VIP means Warkari, so every Warkari will get respect and priority. I pray at the feet of Pandurang that the people of Maharashtra enjoy happiness, prosperity and contentment in their lives,' said Shinde. Thousands of students from Birla School and College participated in traditional attire and were immersed in the name of Vitthal, dancing and singing to the rhythm of taal, mridung, and dholki. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Is Where Dealers Buy Cheap Cars vividtrendlab Undo The Dindi procession travelled from Birla College to the Vitthal Temple in Shahad. The Century Rayon family took the initiative for the event, as chants of 'Gyanoba-Tukaram, Vitthal Vitthal' echoed along the route. The procession was not just a display of religious devotion but also stood out for its discipline, cultural expression, and mass participation. The display of Vitthal devotion by the students left a deep impression on all those present.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Fadnavis assures inclusive approach to Pandharpur Corridor, welcomes end of VIP darshan
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday reaffirmed the government's commitment to the proposed Pandharpur Corridor, assuring that all stakeholders - residents, traders, shopkeepers, and devotees - will be taken into confidence and no one will face losses due to the redevelopment. Fadnavis also welcomed the Solapur district administration's decision to discontinue the VIP darshan system at the Vitthal temple. (HT) Speaking to the media after performing the Maha Puja at the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple along with his wife Amruta Fadnavis and daughter Divija on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, Fadnavis addressed concerns surrounding the ambitious project. 'The government will build the Pandharpur Corridor by earning the trust of all. Every citizen, trader, and homeowner will be rehabilitated respectfully and in a better way,' Fadnavis said. 'The district collector has already initiated discussions with local traders, religious leaders, and residents. Many doubts have been cleared, and we will continue this process with full transparency.' Fadnavis assured that the project would not displace anyone. 'No shopkeeper, homeowner, or local resident will suffer due to this development. Business and religious sentiments will be respected,' he added. The corridor project, inspired by the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, aims to revamp the area around the Vitthal-Rukmini temple by widening roads, relocating shops, and improving facilities for the lakhs of devotees who visit Pandharpur. While the state views this as a major step towards modernising the pilgrimage, concerns remain among locals about potential displacement and loss of historical character. Fadnavis also welcomed the Solapur district administration's decision to discontinue the VIP darshan system at the Vitthal temple. 'I think this is a good tradition and should be continued,' he said, noting that the move has helped reduce waiting time for general devotees by up to five hours. Commenting on the newly introduced token-based darshan system, Fadnavis said, 'The system is new and will take time to stabilise, but we will continue it gradually.' Maha Puja honours Warkari couple The official Maha Puja this year was performed by Warkari couple Kailas Ugle and Kalpana Ugle from Jategaon village in Nandgaon taluka, Nashik district. They were felicitated by the chief minister and his wife. The couple also received a free year-long State Transport (ST) bus pass, presented by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and personally handed over by Fadnavis. Praising the arrangements under the Nirmal Wari initiative, Fadnavis said, 'This year's Wari was not just clean, but also green and eco-friendly. The message of cleanliness given by our saints was truly visible.' He added that spiritual progress is as important as economic growth in the state's development. 'Wari should be about devotion, not agendas' Commenting on the participation of individuals accused of being 'Urban Naxals' in the Wari procession, Fadnavis said, 'Anyone is free to join the Wari - there's no need for anyone's permission. But participation should be rooted in devotion to Lord Vitthal, not driven by personal agendas. To use the Wari for pushing an ideology or narrative is wrong.'
