Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has taken a decision regarding Ashadi Wari and has also issued guidelines regarding the Wari. We have respect and love for Wari and Warkari community. But, the current covid situation also needs to be taken into account. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar informed that this year's procession would not be as strict as 2020 but efforts were being made to find a middle way to provide more relaxation.
A Corona review meeting was held at the Divisional Commissioner's Office in Pune under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar. The meeting was attended by people's representatives and senior administrative officials. After the meeting, Pawar interacted with journalists on various issues.
"Before taking a decision to allow Wari on foot, we had discussions with Dehu, Alandi and other prominent Palkhi chiefs," Pawar said. After the decision of the Chief Minister, he has discussed with the officials of ST Corporation and asked them to make all the necessary preparations for the Wari procession. At this time, the people's representatives, the administration or the villagers on the Wari route have demanded to take the 'palkhis' (palanquins) by bus in the presence of a small number of people instead of on foot due to the Corona situation. Also, the administration in Pandharpur has decided that only those who have received two doses of corona vaccine will be allowed in Pandharpur.
However, even after that, there is tension over the Wari ceremony. Discussions are underway with senior administrative officials to reconsider the decision regarding Ashadi Wari.
For several centuries, on Ashadhi Ekadashi, lakhs of Warkaris from Maharashtra and neighbouring states march around 230 kms from Dehu and Alandi (in Pune), with the 'palkhis' bearing the 'padukas' (foot imprints) of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj to Pandharpur.