“O Vitthala… Bless the Farmers with Happiness and Wisdom” – CM Fadnavis Offers Prayers on Ashadhi Ekadashi

Maha Puja of Vitthal-Rukmini Performed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Pandharpur

Pandharpur : On the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis offered heartfelt prayers at the feet of Lord Vitthal, seeking divine blessings to relieve the state of its troubles, grant wisdom to follow the righteous path, and ensure that the farmers of Maharashtra live happy and content lives.

The official Maha Puja of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini was performed at the Pandharpur temple by CM Fadnavis along with his wife Amruta Fadnavis, and the honorary Warkari couple Kailas Damu Ugle and Kalpana Ugle. The event was marked by devotion and reverence, followed by a felicitation ceremony hosted by the Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple Committee.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister addressed the gathering and highlighted the growing scale and spiritual significance of the Wari tradition. “This year, the Wari has set a new record,” he said. “A remarkable number of Warkaris have made the journey on foot to seek darshan of Lord Pandurang. While the dindis (pilgrim processions) are a central part of the tradition, this year also witnessed an exceptionally high number of young Warkaris walking the entire distance with devotion.”

CM Fadnavis praised the administration under Guardian Minister Jaykumar Gore for making excellent arrangements including German hangars that ensured comfort and order for the Warkaris. “The government has provided good facilities this year. The efforts of the district administration under the leadership of Guardian Minister Gore are commendable,” he added.

The Chief Minister reflected on the profound spiritual energy of the Wari, stating, “Participating in the Ashadhi Ekadashi puja is a moment of great joy in everyone’s life. Many Warkaris walked voluntarily, without compulsion, to be part of this holy journey. In the Wari, every individual sees Lord Pandurang in the others. This tradition is unique to Maharashtra and found nowhere else in the world. The chants of ‘Hari Naam’ fill everyone with renewed energy and elevate the flag of Bhagwat Dharma (Path of Devotion).”

He also lauded the successful implementation of the ‘Nirmal Wari’ (Clean Wari) and environment-friendly initiatives, which ensured cleanliness throughout the pilgrimage. “Nowhere along the route was any filth observed. This Wari reflected the message of cleanliness that our saints have always spread. Along with spiritual progress, such values contribute to the overall progress of the state,” he emphasized.

CM Fadnavis also appreciated the bold administrative decision to suspend VIP darshan privileges, enabling common devotees to enjoy darshan for an additional five hours.

In his opening remarks, Gahininath Maharaj Aosekar, the Co-Chairman of the Temple Committee, praised the administration for offering improved facilities to the pilgrims. He noted that satisfaction among the Warkaris has increased, as has the overall number of devotees this year, thanks to the seamless coordination and crowd management.

The honorary Warkari couple Kailas and Kalpana Ugle, hailing from Jategaon village in Nashik district, were respectfully felicitated by CM Fadnavis and his wife after the Maha Puja. In a gesture of appreciation, the Maharashtra State Transport Corporation also presented the couple with a free annual bus pass, handed over by the Chief Minister.

Vitthal Nirmal Dindi Awards Presented by CM Fadnavis

During the program, CM Fadnavis presented the ‘Shri Vitthal Nirmal Dindi’ Awards to Warkari processions that excelled in promoting cleanliness and spreading social awareness through their padyatra (foot pilgrimage).

• First Prize: Shri Sant Rohidas Dindi No. 13 (Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palakhi Sohla)
• Second Prize: Shri Balkrishna Buwa Warkari Dindi No. 19 (Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palakhi Sohla)
• Third Prize: Shri Guru Balasaheb Aajrekar Dindi No. 23 (Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palakhi Sohla)

The Chief Minister’s prayers and speech struck an emotional chord with the lakhs of devotees who had gathered for the annual pilgrimage. He concluded with a sincere wish that Lord Vitthal’s blessings continue to guide the people of Maharashtra on the path of righteousness, unity, and prosperity.

This year’s Ashadhi Wari was a celebration not only of devotion but also of Maharashtra’s timeless values—social harmony, selfless service, discipline, and environmental consciousness. The collective spirit of the Warkari movement, led by lakhs of singing and chanting devotees, remains a living embodiment of the state’s cultural and spiritual heritage.