The Maharashtra government will send a proposal to United Nations agency UNESCO for world heritage nomination for the annual `wari` (pilgrimage) of Pandharpur, which has a history of 1,000 years, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar told the legislative assembly on Friday, PTI reported.
The news agency reported that he said the government will also set up a separate corporation to provide facilities to the Warkaris (devotees of Lord Vitthal), who undertake the annual pilgrimage from Alandi and Dehu in Pune district to the Vitthal-Rukmini temple at Pandharpur in Solapur district.
Making the announcement during his budget speech, Pawar said that the corporation, `Mukhyamantri Warkari Sampradaya Mahamandal`, will be set up to provide facilities to warkaris, kirtankars (those who sing in praise of deities) and bhajani mandals (groups of singers). devotionals), as well as to manage the 250 km palkhi (palanquin) route, PTI reported.
The Deputy Chief Minister said devotees from across the state gathered to bow before Lord Vitthal.
According to reports, Sant Tukaram’s palkhi (palanquin) left Dehu on Friday, while Sant Dnyaneshwar’s palkhi will leave Alandi on Saturday.
These palkhis carry “padukas” (sacred footprints) of the revered saints.
“This government is aware that the umbilical cord of Maharashtra is connected with this wari (pilgrimage), which has a tradition of 1,000 years. Therefore, we are submitting a proposal to UNESCO for world heritage nomination for the wari of Pandharpur, which is globally recognized as the identity of Maharashtra,” Pawar said, as reported by PTI.
Acceptance of the nomination will grant the annual pilgrimage cultural heritage status.
According to PTI report, Pawar said that the government has decided to provide a sum of Rs 20,000 per `dindi` (group of devotees) for this year’s pilgrimage. An allocation of Rs 36.71 crore has been made for this in the budget.
Health check-ups of devotees will reportedly be conducted on all routes from Dehu-Alandi to Pandharpur through the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell, and they will be provided free medicines as per their needs, he added.
(with contributions from PTI)
