Goa Government Extends Financial Assistance to 36 Registered Warkari Dindis for Annual Pandharpur Wari
“Preserving our cultural heritage while pursuing development remains the Government’s guiding principle.” Says CM Dr. Pramod Sawant.
Panaji, 6th July 2026 – The Government of Goa, through the Directorate of Art and Culture, organised the distribution of financial assistance to registered Warkari Dindis undertaking the annual Pandharpur Wari at Kala Academy, Panaji, today. Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant distributed financial assistance to 36 registered Warkari Dindis, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to preserving Goa’s spiritual and cultural traditions while supporting devotees participating in the annual pilgrimage.
Under the scheme, registered Dindis with a minimum of 40 participants will receive assistance towards return bus travel expenses along with other facilities. Nearly 3,500 Warkaris have been registered under the initiative and the Government has incorporated several welfare measures, including cloth bags to promote a plastic-free Wari, traditional Warkari attire, medicine kits and medical assistance at designated points along the pilgrimage route to ensure a safer, more convenient and environmentally responsible journey for devotees.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant stated “The Pandharpur Wari represents a unique confluence of faith, devotion and culture. The sacred tradition of devotees journeying to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal has continued uninterrupted since the time of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram. Goa’s association with the Warkari tradition dates back to the period before Portuguese rule, reflecting its deep cultural roots in the State.
CM Dr. Sawant said that the Warkari tradition stands as a powerful symbol of equality, where there is no discrimination based on caste, religion, social status or economic background. Every devotee is respectfully addressed as “Mauli”, promoting the values of unity, compassion and mutual respect. He said that preserving such traditions is essential for strengthening social harmony and passing on these timeless values to future generations.
It was also announced that land has been identified for the construction of the Goa Vitthal-Rakhumai Warkari Bhavan, which the Government aims to complete before next year’s Wari. The Bhavan will serve as an important spiritual and cultural centre for Goa’s Warkari community. Reiterating the Government’s guiding principle of “Development while Preserving Heritage,” cultural traditions must be safeguarded alongside the State’s development. The land has also been finalised in Ayodhya for the construction of Goa Ram Nivas, which will provide accommodation and support to devotees from Goa visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi.
Member of Parliament Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Minister for Art and Culture Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Power Shri Sudin Dhavalikar, MLA Smt. Deviya Rane, MLA Shri Pravin Arlekar, Chairman of the Art and Culture Board Shri Babu Kavlekar, Shri Dhaku Madkaikar, Director of the Directorate of Art and Culture Shri Vivek Naik, Assistant Director Shri Anand Kavathankar, Zilla Panchayat members, representatives of Warkari Mandals and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.
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