|| विठोबा वारी ||

बोला पुंडलिकावरदा हरि विठ्ठ्ल.....
श्री ज्ञानदेव.....तुकाराम
पंढरीनाथ महाराज कि...जय

बोला पुंडलिकावरदा हरि विठ्ठ्ल.....श्री ज्ञानदेव.....तुकाराम पंढरीनाथ महाराज कि...जय

महाराष्ट्र मंडळ बे एरिया घेऊन येत आहे... पंढरपूर वारीचा अनुभव, तोही चक्क बे एरियात!

वारी म्हणजे महाराष्ट्रातील विविध गावांपासून सुरू होऊन पंढरपूर येथे संपणारी सामुदायिक एक पदयात्रा. वारी ही महाराष्ट्रातील एक धार्मिक व सांस्कृतिक परंपरा आहे. ही वारी आषाढ आणि कार्तिक महिन्यातील शुद्ध एकादशी अशा दोन्ही वेळा होते. आळंदी येथून संत ज्ञानेश्वर यांच्या पादुका आणि देहू येथून संत तुकाराम यांच्या पादुका पालखीत ठेवून ती पालखी रथातून पंढरपूर येथे मार्गस्थ होते. संत ज्ञानेश्वर, संत एकनाथ, संत तुकाराम हे वारकरी संप्रदायातील महत्त्वाचे संत होत. वारकरी संप्रदायात लहान मोठा हा भेद नाही. तसेच नामजपाने पुण्य मिळते हा भाव आहे. एकादशी आणि इतर पवित्र दिवशी नित्यनेमाने पंढरपूरला जाणे म्हणजेच वारी. जो नियमित वारी करतो तो वारकरी. ’पंढरीचा वास, चंद्रभागेस्नान, आणिक दर्शन विठोबाचे’ या इच्छेपोटी वारकरी वारी चुकवत नाहीत.

“Pandharpur Wari” is on the minds of every Marathi person, across the country, around the world. From Alandi to Pandharpur, 264 km walk in 18 days among one million warkaris is a life-changing, once in a lifetime experience, witnessing the incredible ocean of devotion (Bhakthi).

A dozen friends from the Bay Area received "the call" and decided to embark on the journey to participate in Wari 2023 (Alandi to Pandharpur, June 10 - June 30, 2023). However, for many of us, managing the logistics, preparing for the pilgrimage, and taking 3-4 weeks off work is quite challenging. To offer those who couldn’t travel to India a taste of the Wari experience, MMBA organized a mini version of “Vithoba Wari” from San Jose to the Balaji Temple (Vithoba Temple) along the scenic Guadalupe Trail. The response was overwhelming, with over 1,000 attendees joining the event, beautifully capturing the spirit of this age-old tradition.

“Vithoba Wari” is now an enduring tradition here, as we proudly enter our Third year. Join us in celebrating this 700-year-old tradition and help us bring the spirit of Wari to our local community. The photo in the poster beautifully captures the spirit of that memorable event.

Please consider donating to make this event a grand success.

Your donations will be used for managing expenses related to the activities at the temple. Any leftover funds will be donated to the homeless shelter and some will be also donated to the Pandharpur temple.

We will publish entire collection and expense summary to all.

Donate To विठोबा वारी

Logistical Information

Starting Location

Riverview place is Cul de sac near the Riverview Park. Stairs to the trail.

Address for direction
55 River Oak , San Jose, CA 95134

End Location

Balaji Temple, 5004 N First St, San Jose, CA 95134

Total Distance: 3.5 miles each way

Total Days: 6

Activities On Each Day:

Please arrive by 6:00 AM for parking, tilak, distribution of taal and zende, and group pictures, which will require some time.
Our activities will commence promptly at 6:30 AM.
Reach temple by 8/8.30 AM,
Ringan,
Chanting, Bhajan, Story Telling
Aarti
Prasad [VARIETY OF PRASAD SUCH AS CURD RICE, UPMA, IDLI, FRUTS, TEA]

Dates & Schedule

First Day - Saturday, June 21. Start at 6.30 AM and reach temple by 8.00/8.30 am.

Saturday, June 21. Start at 6.30 AM and reach temple by 8.00/8.30 am.
Sunday, June 22. Start at 6.30 AM and reach temple by 8.00/8.30 am.
Saturday, June 28. Start at 6.30 AM and reach temple by 8.00/8.30 am.
Sunday, June 29. Start at 6.30 AM and reach temple by 8.00/8.30 am.
Saturday, July 5. Start at 6.30 AM and reach temple by 8.00/8.30 am.
Sunday, July 6. Start at 6.30 AM and reach temple by 8.00/8.30 am.

Ashadi Ekadashi - Sunday, July 6th. Meet at temple directly at 4.00 PM for grand celebration & prasad.
More details coming soon.

Parking and Map:

You park in the open available parking and take stairs as shown in the picture, and walk towards the right.
Once you are on the path, always walk on the right side and avoid blocking the entire trail, as it is shared by many. After approximately 2 miles, you will reach a fork in the road. At this point, take the exit on the left and continue your walk.

Other information:

Bring your own water bottles
Wear shoes and hat
Please come on time so that you can enjoy the company of others and get the वारी feelings.
Dress code - white and orange Indian dress preferred
Please take a shower before you come for this divine walk.
We will provide you टाळ and झेंडे to carry
Always walk on the right hand side

For more details contact

Veena Uttarwar

408-209-2125

Vmuttarwar@gmail.com

Bhaskar Ranade

650-944-9067

branade@yahoo.com

mmba@mmbayarea.org

Ajinkya Mandhre

669-294-0816

Deepak Tare

669-841-9165

Manish Puranik

408-858-8717

Manoj Betawar

510-468-7802

Guadalupe Trail Photos

|| Vithoba Wari Photos Of Bay Area ||

|| Vithoba and Pandharpur Wari Photos ||

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I convey if I am joining on a particular day or not?
Answer: Once you join WhatsApp, we will be running a poll to confirm your attendance. This will help us manage our logistics.

Question: After coming back to the park where the Wari starts, is there any Prasad distribution?
Answer: Prasad will be given at the temple.

Question: Can I share and/or invite my friends?
Answer: Yes, please share the info and this website with them

Question: Have the local police departments been informed about the event?
Answer: We are working on that and it will be done before the event date

Question: If I have any other question, whom should I talk to?
Answer: Please contact Veena Uttarwar or Bhaskar Ranade

Question: How can I contribute to Prasad?
Answer: Please contact Veena Uttarwar or Bhaskar Ranade. Prasad should be brought directly to the temple at 8.30 AM so that warkari's can have it.

Question: Do I need to fill registration form for each person?
Answer: Yes, Please and there are two reasons 1. We want other person in the family to receive the direct communication from us 2. Most importantly, we would like that person to read and agree with the disclaimer at the bottom of this site. If you have a young person joining you, please make sure you add his/her name along with your name in the form.

Question: Is there a changing room at the temple?
Answer: Yes, there is a changing room at the temple

Question: What is the dress code?
Answer: We would like to make this experience complete and divine. So, we are recommending wearing traditional dress - Zabba Kurta, Nauari Lugde.

Question: I only plan to walk one way. How can I get back to the starting point?
Answer: You can arrange a ride back by calling a friend or family member, or by using Uber/Lyft. If you're lucky, you might find someone else in the same situation who has already arranged a ride — feel free to coordinate and return together.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

Event Name: विठोबा वारी

Host: Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area (MMBA)

Event Dates: June 21 Saturday l June 22 Sunday | June 28 Saturday l June 29 Sunday |July 5 Saturday | July 6 Sunday |

Event Location: Riverview Park, San Jose To Balaji Temple

Legal Disclaimer:

By participating in the विठोबा वारी] ("the Event"), organized by Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area (MMBA), you agree to the following terms and conditions:

Assumption of Risk: Participation in the Event involves walking or engaging in physical activity. By participating, you acknowledge and understand that there are inherent risks associated with any physical activity, including but not limited to the risk of accidents, injury, illness, or property damage. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with your participation in the Event and agree to release Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area (MMBA), its organizers, volunteers, and sponsors from any liability for any injuries or damages that may occur as a result of your participation.
Health and Fitness: It is your responsibility to ensure that you are physically fit and in good health to participate in the Event. If you have any medical conditions, injuries, or concerns, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional before participating. Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area (MMBA) does not provide medical services, and it is your responsibility to seek appropriate medical assistance if needed.
Personal Property: Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area (MMBA) is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings or equipment during the Event. It is advisable to secure your personal items or leave them at a safe location during the Event.
Photography and Videography: By participating in the Event, you grant Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area (MMBA) and its representatives the right to take photographs and videos of you during the Event. These photographs and videos may be used for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, and print materials. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform the organizers in writing before the Event.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Participants are expected to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and safety guidelines during the Event. This includes but is not limited to traffic laws, pedestrian regulations, and any instructions or directions given by the Event organizers.
Changes and Cancellations: Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area (MMBA) reserves the right to modify, reschedule, or cancel the Event due to unforeseen circumstances or for any other reason deemed necessary. In the event of cancellation, Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area (MMBA) will make reasonable efforts to notify participants in advance, but will not be held liable for any costs, damages, or inconveniences incurred as a result.

By participating in the Event, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions outlined in this legal disclaimer.

If you do not agree with any of these terms, please do not participate in the Event.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area (MMBA)

mmba@mmbayarea.org

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