->Getsnoopy Fixed some formatting issues. |
GiseleStead (talk | contribs) m improved citations after review per standard format |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Journey undertaken by politicians}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} | ||
A '''padayatra''' ({{ | [[File:Dive ghat.jpg|thumb|Thousands taking part in ''[[Ashadhi Ekadashi|Ashadhi]] Vari'' ([[Warkari]]) the annual Hindu religious padayatra at Dive Ghat, Maharashtra, 2022]] | ||
A '''padayatra''' ({{langx|sa|पदयात्रा|padayātrā|journey by foot|translit-std=ISO}}) is a journey undertaken on foot, used both as a political–mass outreach tool and a spiritual pilgrimage ([[yatra]]). It is a journey undertaken by politicians or prominent citizens to interact more closely with different parts of society, educate about issues concerning them, and galvanise their supporters. ''Padayatras'' or foot pilgrimages are also [[Hindu]] religious pilgrimages undertaken towards sacred shrines or pilgrimage sites.<ref name=pad>[http://www.padayatra.com/history.php History of Padyatra] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718154933/http://www.padayatra.com/history.php |date=2012-07-18 }}</ref> | |||
In its political form, a padayatra enables leaders to move beyond conventional rallies and engage directly with communities across towns and villages, symbolising accessibility, humility, and solidarity. In its religious or spiritual aspect, it continues an ancient Indian tradition of travelling on foot through sacred landscapes, transforming walking itself into an act of devotion and self-purification. Beyond its practical purpose, a padayatra often embodies a message of reform, unity, or faith, linking movement with meaning and turning collective footsteps into a symbol of transformation. Notable padayatras in India include Mahatma Gandhi’s 1930 Dandi March against the British salt tax, Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan Yatra advocating land reform, and contemporary political marches. On the religious front, annual pilgrimages like [[Pandharpur Wari]], [[Amarnath Yatra]] and [[Kanwar Yatra]] are prominent.<ref>{{cite web | title=Padayatra: From Gandhi to Rahul Gandhi | website=The Hindu | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/padayatra-from-gandhi-to-rahul-gandhi/article65829273.ece | access-date=26 October 2025}}</ref><ref name=pad/> | |||
==Types of Padayatras== | |||
[[File:Bhoodan yojana.jpg|thumb|Gandhian [[Vinoba Bhave]] during his padayantra across India, as part of [[Bhoodan movement]], a voluntary land reform movement in 1951. ]] | |||
===Social causes=== | |||
In the winter of 1933–34, Mahatma Gandhi went on a countrywide ''padayatra'' against untouchability.<ref>{{cite news |title=Where Gandhi Meets Ambedkar|author=Ramachandra Guha|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-11-08/edit-page/27860607_1_untouchability-padayatra-hindu |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711203119/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-11-08/edit-page/27860607_1_untouchability-padayatra-hindu |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 11, 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]]|date=Nov 8, 2005 }}</ref> Later, Gandhian [[Vinoba Bhave]] also started a ''padayatra'', which was part of his [[Bhoodan movement]] in 1951. Starting from the [[Telangana]] region, Bhave concluded his ''padayatra'' at [[Bodh Gaya]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=15mSMA8LXhoC&pg=PA135 | title=Reflections From Shillong: Speeches Of M.M. Jacob | publisher=Daya Books | author=David R. Syiemlieh | year=2005 | pages=135 | isbn=8189233297 |access-date=9 May 2014}}</ref> On 6 January 1983, [[Chandra Shekhar]] started his ''padayatra'' from [[Kanyakumari]] and continued his {{convert|4260|km}} journey to [[Raj Ghat]] in Delhi till 25 June 1983 to understand the problems of the masses.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lSCyVxEg2t4C&pg=PA287 | title=Profiles of Indian Prime Ministers | publisher=Mittal Publications | author=Manisha | year=2010 | pages=xxi | isbn=978-8170999768 |access-date=9 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
== | [[Rajagopal P. V.|Puthan Veetil Rajagopal]], in [[Janadesh 2007]], led 25,000 landless peasants on a 28-day march from Gwalior to Delhi.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Laxmi Prasanna|date=Jul 28, 2017|title=Activist PV Rajagopal to constitute taskforce in Kerala to ensure land for landless {{!}} Thiruvananthapuram News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/activist-pv-rajagopal-to-constitute-taskforce-in-kerala-to-ensure-land-for-landless/articleshow/59812196.cms|access-date=2021-05-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> In 1986, [[Ramon Magsaysay Award]] winner [[Rajendra Singh (environmentalist)|Rajendra Singh]] started ''padayatras'' through villages of [[Rajasthan]], promoting construction and revival of [[johad]]s and check dams.<ref name=front>{{cite web |title=The water man of Rajasthan |url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1817/18170810.htm |date=Aug 18–31, 2001 |publisher=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]], Volume 18 - Issue 17 }}</ref> | ||
{{ | |||
[[ | |||
The | ===Religious causes=== | ||
[[File:Kanwarias in Haridwar.jpg|140px|thumb|left|Kanwar Yatra in pilgrimage town [[Haridwar]], 2007]] | |||
The [[warkari]]s from the [[Maharashtra]] state of western India practice a regular walk to religious places like [[Dehu]], [[Alandi]] and [[Pandharpur]]. [[Ashadhi Ekadashi]], [[Kartiki Ekadashi]], Maghi Ekadashi and Chaitra Ekadashi are some of the popular days when pilgrims reach Pandharpur to worship [[Vithoba]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r2KSW8QkLusC&q=varkari+vari&pg=PT211 | title=Sufism and Inter-Religious Understanding | publisher=Pinnacle Technology | author=Asghar Ali Engineer | author-link=Asghar Ali Engineer | year=2008 | isbn=978-1618201683 |access-date=9 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
The ''kanwariyas'' practice a regular walk to religious places like [[Kashi Vishwanath Temple]], [[Kedarnath Temple]], [[Neelkanth Mahadev Temple]], [[Vaidyanath Temple]], [[Mahakaleshwar Temple]], [[Amarnath Temple]] etc. [[Maha Shivaratri]] and [[Kanwar Yatra]] are some of the popular days when pilgrims reach the temples to worship [[Shiva]]. | |||
The | |||
=== | === Political causes=== | ||
[[Image:Marche sel.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Gandhi on the [[Salt March]], 1930 part of India's independence movement]] | |||
[[Mahatma Gandhi]] originated the ''padayatra'' with his famous [[Salt March]] to [[Dandi, Gujarat|Dandi]] in 1930, this was done to protest against the new Salt taxes imposed by the British rule. [[Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy]] did a 66-day-long ''padayatra'' covering {{cvt|1500|km}}, meeting people across 11 districts of Andhra Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite web |title=తెలుగు నేలపై చెరగని జ్ఞాపకం {{!}} YS Rajasekhara Reddy 75th Birth Anniversary On July 8th {{!}} Sakshi |url=https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/andhra-pradesh/ys-rajasekhara-reddy-75th-birth-anniversary-july-8th-2108962 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=www.sakshi.com |language=te}}</ref> He led his party to victory in the following general elections held in 2004 to become the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, which included Telangana also.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan |first1=Andhra Pradesh |title=Farmers benefited by schemes of YSR – AP Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan |url=https://www.rajbhavan.ap.gov.in/pdfs/pn20210708.pdf |website=Raj Bhavan, Andhra Pradesh }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=YSR Congress Party |first1=YSR Congress Party |title=17 Years For YSR Padayatra |url=https://www.ysrcongress.com/special-news/17-years-ysr-padayatra-72090 |website=YSR Congress Party |date=9 April 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=The Times of India |first1=The Times of India |title=YSR's padayatra to begin on April 9 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/ysrs-padayatra-to-begin-on-april-9/articleshow/42102373.cms |work=The Times of India|date=2 April 2003 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=The Hindu |first1=The Hindu |title=Vijayamma set to begin new innings |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/vijayamma-set-to-begin-new-innings/article4594671.ece |work=The Hindu|date=8 April 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=India Today |first1=India Today |title=Defiant Jagan 'pained' by aide's suspension |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/south/story/defiant-jagan-pained-by-aides-suspension-78918-2010-07-18 |website=India Today |date=19 July 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hindustan Times |first1=Hindustan Times |title=YSRTP chief Sharmila announces padayatra from October 20 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ysrtpchief-sharmila-announces-padayatra-from-october-20-101632250454746.html |website=Hindustan Times |date=22 September 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=The New Indian Express |first1=The New Indian Express |title=64-day Praja Prasthanam made him a mass leader |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2009/sep/04/64-day-praja-prasthanam-made-him-a-mass-leader-83258.html |website=The New Indian Express |date=16 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=News18 |first1=News18 |title=Ahead of Andhra Polls, TDP Leader Nara Lokesh Launches 4,000 Km Padayatra |url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/ahead-of-andhra-polls-chandrababu-naidus-son-nara-lokesh-launches-4000-km-tdp-padayatra-6932383.html |website=News18 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=The Print |first1=The Print |title=Why power of padayatra is fading in Telugu politics from YSR's days of 'charm & showmanship' |url=https://theprint.in/politics/why-power-of-padayatra-is-fading-in-telugu-politics-from-ysrs-days-of-charm-showmanship/700304/ |website=The Print |date=22 July 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sakshi Post |first1=Sakshi Post |title=YSR Padayatra: 'Rajanna' Made His Big, Monumental First Step This Day 17 Years Ago! |url=https://www.sakshipost.com/editors-picks/2020/04/09/17-years-of-dr-ysrs-historic-padayatra |website=Sakshi Post |date=9 April 2020 }}</ref> | |||
The YSRCP chief [[Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy]] launched his Padayatra named ‘[[Praja Sankalpa Yatra]]’ at RK Valley in his native Kadapa district after paying homage at the grave of his father. YSR Congress party coined a slogan “Raavali Jagan, Kaavali Jagan” (Jagan should come. We want Jagan) for the foot march that took to him across 125 Assembly segments in 13 districts of the state in 430 days. This Yatra was started on November 6, 2017 and ended on January 9, 2019.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}} | |||
The [[Indian National Congress]], under the leadership of [[Rahul Gandhi]], started [[Bharat Jodo Yatra]], a padyatra on September 7, 2022 in Kanniyakumari at the tip of the Indian peninsula. This foot march will cover about 3,570 km in around five months. It will move across 12 States and two Union Territories, and shall end in Kashmir.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/discovery-of-congress-the-hindu-editorial-on-bharat-jodo-yatra/article65866600.ece|title=Discovery of Congress: On Bharat Jodo Yatra|newspaper=The Hindu |date=8 September 2022 }}</ref> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 45: | Line 46: | ||
[[Category:Hindu pilgrimages]] | [[Category:Hindu pilgrimages]] | ||
[[Category:Walking]] | [[Category:Walking]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Activism]] | ||
[[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]] | |||
[[Category:Hindu practices]] | |||
[[Category:Hindi words and phrases]] | |||
Latest revision as of 18:12, 18 December 2025
A padayatra (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) is a journey undertaken on foot, used both as a political–mass outreach tool and a spiritual pilgrimage (yatra). It is a journey undertaken by politicians or prominent citizens to interact more closely with different parts of society, educate about issues concerning them, and galvanise their supporters. Padayatras or foot pilgrimages are also Hindu religious pilgrimages undertaken towards sacred shrines or pilgrimage sites.[1]
In its political form, a padayatra enables leaders to move beyond conventional rallies and engage directly with communities across towns and villages, symbolising accessibility, humility, and solidarity. In its religious or spiritual aspect, it continues an ancient Indian tradition of travelling on foot through sacred landscapes, transforming walking itself into an act of devotion and self-purification. Beyond its practical purpose, a padayatra often embodies a message of reform, unity, or faith, linking movement with meaning and turning collective footsteps into a symbol of transformation. Notable padayatras in India include Mahatma Gandhi’s 1930 Dandi March against the British salt tax, Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan Yatra advocating land reform, and contemporary political marches. On the religious front, annual pilgrimages like Pandharpur Wari, Amarnath Yatra and Kanwar Yatra are prominent.[2][1]
Types of Padayatras[edit | edit source]
Social causes[edit | edit source]
In the winter of 1933–34, Mahatma Gandhi went on a countrywide padayatra against untouchability.[3] Later, Gandhian Vinoba Bhave also started a padayatra, which was part of his Bhoodan movement in 1951. Starting from the Telangana region, Bhave concluded his padayatra at Bodh Gaya.[4] On 6 January 1983, Chandra Shekhar started his padayatra from Kanyakumari and continued his 4,260 kilometres (2,650 mi) journey to Raj Ghat in Delhi till 25 June 1983 to understand the problems of the masses.[5]
Puthan Veetil Rajagopal, in Janadesh 2007, led 25,000 landless peasants on a 28-day march from Gwalior to Delhi.[6] In 1986, Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Rajendra Singh started padayatras through villages of Rajasthan, promoting construction and revival of johads and check dams.[7]
Religious causes[edit | edit source]
The warkaris from the Maharashtra state of western India practice a regular walk to religious places like Dehu, Alandi and Pandharpur. Ashadhi Ekadashi, Kartiki Ekadashi, Maghi Ekadashi and Chaitra Ekadashi are some of the popular days when pilgrims reach Pandharpur to worship Vithoba.[8]
The kanwariyas practice a regular walk to religious places like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kedarnath Temple, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Vaidyanath Temple, Mahakaleshwar Temple, Amarnath Temple etc. Maha Shivaratri and Kanwar Yatra are some of the popular days when pilgrims reach the temples to worship Shiva.
Political causes[edit | edit source]
Mahatma Gandhi originated the padayatra with his famous Salt March to Dandi in 1930, this was done to protest against the new Salt taxes imposed by the British rule. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy did a 66-day-long padayatra covering 1,500 km (930 mi), meeting people across 11 districts of Andhra Pradesh.[9] He led his party to victory in the following general elections held in 2004 to become the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, which included Telangana also.[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]
The YSRCP chief Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy launched his Padayatra named ‘Praja Sankalpa Yatra’ at RK Valley in his native Kadapa district after paying homage at the grave of his father. YSR Congress party coined a slogan “Raavali Jagan, Kaavali Jagan” (Jagan should come. We want Jagan) for the foot march that took to him across 125 Assembly segments in 13 districts of the state in 430 days. This Yatra was started on November 6, 2017 and ended on January 9, 2019.[citation needed]
The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, started Bharat Jodo Yatra, a padyatra on September 7, 2022 in Kanniyakumari at the tip of the Indian peninsula. This foot march will cover about 3,570 km in around five months. It will move across 12 States and two Union Territories, and shall end in Kashmir.[20]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 History of Padyatra Archived 2012-07-18 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ "Padayatra: From Gandhi to Rahul Gandhi". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- ↑ Ramachandra Guha (8 November 2005). "Where Gandhi Meets Ambedkar". The Times of India.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ David R. Syiemlieh (2005). Reflections From Shillong: Speeches Of M.M. Jacob. Daya Books. p. 135. ISBN 8189233297. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
- ↑ Manisha (2010). Profiles of Indian Prime Ministers. Mittal Publications. pp. xxi. ISBN 978-8170999768. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
- ↑ Laxmi Prasanna (28 July 2017). "Activist PV Rajagopal to constitute taskforce in Kerala to ensure land for landless | Thiruvananthapuram News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
- ↑ "The water man of Rajasthan". Frontline, Volume 18 - Issue 17. 18–31 August 2001.
- ↑ Asghar Ali Engineer (2008). Sufism and Inter-Religious Understanding. Pinnacle Technology. ISBN 978-1618201683. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
- ↑ "తెలుగు నేలపై చెరగని జ్ఞాపకం | YS Rajasekhara Reddy 75th Birth Anniversary On July 8th | Sakshi". www.sakshi.com (in తెలుగు). Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ↑ Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Andhra Pradesh. "Farmers benefited by schemes of YSR – AP Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan" (PDF). Raj Bhavan, Andhra Pradesh.
- ↑ YSR Congress Party, YSR Congress Party (9 April 2020). "17 Years For YSR Padayatra". YSR Congress Party.
- ↑ The Times of India, The Times of India (2 April 2003). "YSR's padayatra to begin on April 9". The Times of India.
- ↑ The Hindu, The Hindu (8 April 2013). "Vijayamma set to begin new innings". The Hindu.
- ↑ India Today, India Today (19 July 2010). "Defiant Jagan 'pained' by aide's suspension". India Today.
- ↑ Hindustan Times, Hindustan Times (22 September 2021). "YSRTP chief Sharmila announces padayatra from October 20". Hindustan Times.
- ↑ The New Indian Express, The New Indian Express (16 May 2012). "64-day Praja Prasthanam made him a mass leader". The New Indian Express.
- ↑ News18, News18. "Ahead of Andhra Polls, TDP Leader Nara Lokesh Launches 4,000 Km Padayatra". News18.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ The Print, The Print (22 July 2021). "Why power of padayatra is fading in Telugu politics from YSR's days of 'charm & showmanship'". The Print.
- ↑ Sakshi Post, Sakshi Post (9 April 2020). "YSR Padayatra: 'Rajanna' Made His Big, Monumental First Step This Day 17 Years Ago!". Sakshi Post.
- ↑ "Discovery of Congress: On Bharat Jodo Yatra". The Hindu. 8 September 2022.