Pandhar Pur Yatra

A multi religious and multi linguistic country like India has a number of religious occasions being celebrated around the year. There are some festivals that are celebrated throughout the country and some that are celebrated in certain specific part of the country. One such regional but famous occasion is Pandharpur Yatra.

Pandharpur, a town of Maharashtra offers a great combination of culture, heritage and pilgrimage. Situated on the bank of river Bhima this town narrates a long story about Lord Vitthala and his disciple Pundalik.

Pandharpur is famous for its Pandharpur Yatra festival. This is one among the most unique festivals that are being celebrated in India and hence attracts tourists from different places during this time. This festival terminates on the eleventh day of Asadhi month. The name Vithoba is considered to have a special meaning. It means 'an idol of knowledge'. Starting from Saint Tukaram Maharaja Temple in Dehu this padyatra ends in 'Vittala Rukmini Temple' situated in Pandharpur. A sacred palki of Saint Tukaram leads the procession. It continues for 21 days. People of different religious, caste, social status and creed participate in this ceremony. This festival more vividly put forward what we call 'unity in diversity.' Saint Tukaram's devotees march through the roads of Pune and Alandi barefooted and their mouths humming prayers and dancing in devotion. Even many palkis also join this tramp. More than one million people participate in this program making the ambience more colorful and pious.

Keeping in mind the increased number of people participating in this padyatra many hotels and lodges are being established in Pandharpur. Reaching Panadharpur is also not a difficult job. Ample of trains, buses are available to reach the destination.

Pandharpur has now been highlighted in the map of India for this special religious function. Blended with religious vibes and history this place now attracts tourists from all over the world. This is perhaps the world's only huge padyatra and is highly significant. The massive participation of people signifies the popularity and uniformity of the people. Leaving behind all the social and religious barriers people join hands and voices to worship God Almighty.