Pandharpur Wari: No Ashadhi Palkhi procession this year due to COVID-19

Amid speculation over permission to Ashadi 'palkhi' processions from Alandi and Dehu, the decision has been taken that there will be no procession or Wari this year in view of the spread of COVID-19.

Lakhs of devotees undertake 'Wari' (pilgrimage on foot) to the Vitthal temple in Pandharpur in Solapur district.

Earlier, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who is guardian minister of Pune district, had held a meeting with the trustees of Alandi, Dehu and Pandharpur temples.

The Trustees had said that they did not want to break the age-old tradition and they would follow all the social distancing norms.

However, a unanimous decision has been taken in a meeting of the Trustees and the government officials that only 'paduka' will be taken to Pandharpur on last day and there will be no procession.

Vikas Dhage Patil, one of the chief trustees of Alandi temple, said, "The prestigious 'paduka' of the seven palkis will be taken to Pandharpur. This time there won't be any wari and a unanimous decision was taken. The government has given us three options - helicopter, plane, or by road - to take 'paduka' to Pandharpur. Since the rains will start, the collector and the trustees will decide on the mode of transport."