No VIP darshan during Pandharpur Wari, warkaris are the real VIPs: Shinde
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday reviewed preparations for the Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage in Pandharpur and said "VIP darshan" at the ancient Vitthal-Rukmini
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday reviewed preparations for the Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage in Pandharpur and said "VIP darshan" at the ancient Vitthal-Rukmini shrine would remain suspended during the period. He said all departments must work in coordination to ensure a healthy, safe and clean waari for the lakhs of devotees expected in the temple town ahead of Ashadhi Ekadashi on July 25.
Read Full Story Shinde said that, for the first time, the state health department would deploy two air ambulances to provide emergency medical assistance to pilgrims. Calling the warkaris, or devotees of Lord Vitthal, the "real VIP", he said the practice of VIP darshan would remain suspended during the pilgrimage so that devotees do not face inconvenience. He also assured that the Urban Development Department, State Transport Department and Health Department would not face any shortage of funds for creating and expanding facilities for pilgrims.
The deputy chief minister instructed the administration to give top priority to sanitation during the Wari and to ensure cleanliness across Pandharpur. Shinde also directed officials to immediately repair potholes on roads in the town before the main Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations. He asked the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited to stop load shedding in Pandharpur taluka of Solapur district with immediate effect and ensure uninterrupted power supply throughout the pilgrimage period, officials said.
Lakhs of warkaris visit Pandharpur on Ashadhi and Kartiki ekadashis every year, and the review focused on arrangements for their safety, medical care, sanitation, transport support and uninterrupted electricity during the pilgrimage. Ends
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