Goa's Commitment to Warkari Pilgrims: New Policy Unveiled

The Goa government plans to introduce a policy supporting 'warkaris' participating in pilgrimages to Pandharpur. Discussions with Warkari groups highlighted issues like costs for accommodation and food, leading to a proposed scheme offering facilitative assistance. The initiative aims to bolster cultural and spiritual engagement among younger generations.

The Goa government is set to launch a new policy to aid 'warkaris' who partake in the annual Aashadi and Kartiki Ekadashi pilgrimages to Pandharpur in Maharashtra. This initiative, expected to start next financial year, aims to ease the travel burdens of these devotees.

State Minister Ramesh Tawadkar informed the legislative assembly of preliminary talks with Warkari groups to identify the challenges faced during these pilgrimages. The government plans to introduce a scheme based on these discussions, aiming to offer basic assistance to ease the logistical challenges of the journey.

The proposed scheme will focus on the registration of warkari groups and provide essentials like first-aid kits, rainwear, and cymbals, alongside transportation support via Kadamba Transport Corporation buses. Around 3,000 devotees from Goa join the wari annually, emphasizing its cultural and spiritual importance.

(With inputs from agencies.)