In a sea of white attire, waves of chants and an atmosphere of devotion, the Pandharpur Wari 2022 kickstarted.
The annual pilgrimage, Pandharpur Wari, is as symbolic as the sacred location of Lord Vitthal’s temple at Pandharpur, a famous pilgrimage town, nested on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River in Solapur District, Maharashtra. Every year, 800,000 to a million of devotees walk on foot towards Pandharpur in honor of the most beautiful and unique traditions, which started in the 13th Century.
Being one of the most unique and beautiful traditions, it originates too with just a simple message- Love and Simplicity in life and devotion for Lord Vithoba.
The carrying of decorated palanquins of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram and many others now, people carrying instruments, the gallant horses leading, marks the pilgrimage of 21 days covering more than 230kms, making it a unique amalgamation of Faith, Tradition, History, and Legacy of the iconic Pandharpur Wari.
The objective of the “The Great Pilgrimage – Pandharpur Wari” is to cover the Pandharpur Wari through photography and videography, which will result in creating a Photo/Film documentary. The aim is to beautifully capture the human element associated with the Wari, the spirit of the Warikers, their thought-process, drive and devotion.
Through this documentation, we aim to bring forth the people, culture, customs and traditions associated with the Wari.
The end goal is to organize a photo exhibition and prepare a film documentary starting in Mumbai, followed by the other cities of Maharashtra.
The initiative by Parvez Damania and Ratan Luth, the Ideators and co-ordinators of the program, is done in Association with Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra. The dedicated team of highly celebrated, experienced and International and National award-winning photographers and bloggers along with Parvez Damania will walk step in step with the Warikers to capture the true essence of this revered pilgrimage. These renowned photographers are Padma Shri Sudharak Olwe, Mahesh Lonkar, Shantanu Das, Pubarun Basu, Prem Cohelo, Kunal Chaudhari, Dipesh Vaity, Sanjay Nikham, Nitin Joshi. Added to them, there are student photographers joining us from the institute of Symbiosis International University. Symbiosis International is a multi-disciplinary university offering its students and faculty a vibrant learning ecosystem designed around its multi-cultural and innovative ethos.
The photographers will also holistically undertake coverage of various festivities, traditions and rituals that the Wari culminates to at the holy town of Pandharpur. to create a meaningful impact that will celebrate the spirit, emotions and legacy of Pandhapur Wari, the great pilgrimage.
