In his address following the mahapuja, CM Fadnavis said he prayed to Lord Vitthal to "keep farmers happy and content, remove all crises from the state, and bless everyone with wisdom to walk the path of righteousness".

Highlighting the scale of this year`s pilgrimage, the chief minister said the `wari` tradition continues to grow every year. "This year`s wari (pilgrimage) has set new records with a massive turnout of devotees, especially youth, many of whom walked all the way to Pandharpur to seek Lord Vitthal`s blessings," he said.

The chief minister said the wari has spiritual and cultural significance. "In this journey, every devotee sees Lord Vitthal in one another. Nowhere else in the world is such a tradition found. The chanting of Hari`s name in the wari brings new energy. The wari upholds the true spirit of the Bhakti movement," he said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde performed the Maha Abhishek of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini at the Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Wadala. Shinde extended his greetings on the occasion and stated that the government has allocated Rs 25 crore for the temple`s redevelopment.

Shinde performed the consecration of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini with milk