Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jan 18: The Goa government has announced that it will formulate a dedicated policy to support ‘warkaris’ from the state who undertake the annual Aashadi and Kartiki Ekadashi pilgrimages to Pandharpur in neighbouring Maharashtra, starting from the next financial year.

State Minister for Art and Culture Ramesh Tawadkar informed the legislative assembly that preliminary discussions have already been held with representatives of warkari groups in Goa to understand the difficulties faced by devotees during the traditional Pandharpur wari.

The minister was replying to a starred question raised by Mayem MLA Premendra Shet during the winter session of the assembly. In his written response, Tawadkar said the government plans to introduce a suitable scheme based on inputs received from the warkari groups.

The government acknowledged that warkaris from Goa travel to Pandharpur on foot every year at their own expense, bearing costs related to accommodation, food, medical needs and transportation of luggage and utensils. The proposed scheme will focus on the registration and recognition of warkari groups, along with providing basic facilitative assistance.

According to the reply, the assistance is likely to include first-aid kits, traditional cymbals (taal), rainwear and transport facilities for the return journey from Pandharpur to Goa through Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) buses.

Highlighting the cultural and spiritual importance of the Pandharpur wari, the government said the initiative aims to encourage organised participation and inspire younger generations to remain connected with religious and spiritual traditions.

As per official estimates, around 40 to 45 warkari groups from Goa, comprising nearly 3,000 devotees, take part in the Pandharpur pilgrimage every year. Tawadkar added that the registration process for warkari groups will be initiated soon, after which precise details of registered and pending groups will be available.