DGIPR’s Pandharpur Wari Documentary Wins National Title at Asian Academy Creative Awards 2026
Mumbai, October 10 : The documentary ‘Pandharpur Wari – In the Footsteps of the Saints’, produced by the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) to showcase the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari to audiences across the world, has been selected as India’s National Winner in the Best Branded Programme category at the prestigious Asian Academy Creative Awards 2026. This recognition reflects Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.
The documentary was produced with the objective of showcasing the rich devotional tradition of the Pandharpur Wari, one of Maharashtra’s most cherished cultural legacies. Jointly produced by the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations and Warner Bros. Discovery, the documentary has been broadcast on various Discovery channels worldwide.
A 22-minute documentary in English has been created to introduce global audiences to Maharashtra’s rich saint tradition, the Warkari community and the centuries-old Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage. The documentary plays an important role in taking the messages of devotion, equality, humanity and brotherhood preached by Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram Maharaj beyond linguistic barriers and onto the international stage.
*International Recognition for the Glorious Tradition of Wari*
*– Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis*
Reacting to the achievement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Pandharpur Wari is an ancient and revered devotional tradition that brings people together in devotion to Lord Vitthal, transcending distinctions of caste, religion and economic status.
“To take this great tradition, its purpose and its underlying philosophy to people across the world, the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations produced and released the beautiful documentary ‘Pandharpur Wari – In the Footsteps of the Saints’. The documentary has received India’s National Award in the Best Branded Programme category at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2026. I congratulate the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations and Warner Bros. Discovery on this achievement,” he said.
The Chief Minister also appealed to everyone to watch the documentary, which showcases the glorious tradition of the Wari to audiences across the world.
*Wari’s Cultural Heritage Highlighted on the International Stage*
*– Principal Secretary Brijesh Singh*
Brijesh Singh, Principal Secretary and Director General of the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, said that the documentary was selected as India’s National Winner from among outstanding productions submitted by various countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
He said that this recognition has brought international attention to Maharashtra’s devotional traditions, saint literature, the message of social equality and the distinctive cultural heritage of the Wari.
