Bhakti Chalak

Right now, the entire state of Maharashtra is deeply immersed in devotion to Lord Vitthal. To the rhythmic beats of cymbals and the resounding chants of Harinam, the Ashadhi 'Wari' (annual foot pilgrimage) is marching towards Pandharpur. In this year’s Ashadhi Wari, alongside millions of 'Warkaris' (pilgrims), walked a rather eccentric soul holding not cymbals, but paintbrushes and a canvas.

Dressed in a white dhoti and a crisp kurta, wearing a white cap and sporting sandalwood paste on his forehead, Zaheer Mirza joined the Wari.

Zaheer Mirza with pilgrims

He did not limit himself to mere participation; he launched a unique initiative. He placed a large canvas and paints right in front of the Warkaris on the pilgrimage route. And then, the Warkaris collectively filled the canvas with vibrant colours. Through this unique initiative called 'Open Easel', Zaheer paved the way for the Warkaris' hidden talents to flow freely.

Speaking exclusively to Awaz-the Voice, Zaheer Mirza said, "Open Easel is a medium to take art to the people. I set up my canvas in crowded places and encourage people to express themselves through colours. Through this very initiative, I decided to participate in the Wari—Maharashtra’s grandest folk festival—this year."

Zaheer was emotional while recounting his Wari experience. "This Wari initiative changed my heart. The people who came to the Wari were extremely simple folks. Some were farmers, some were carpenters, and some didn’t even have a basic job. Yet, together, they created an incredibly beautiful piece of art. This is all Vitthal Mauli’s grace."

Zaheer Mirza with a canvas filled with pilgrims' creations

He further added, "When I returned from the Wari and looked at that canvas sitting at home, my eyes welled up with tears. I was astounded to see that the hands that toil tirelessly in the fields could possess such immense art and devotion."

He carried out this initiative during the Wari in Saswad. He captured all those moments on his camera, and his videos received a tremendous response on social media. An elderly Warkari woman became so deeply absorbed in chanting Lord Vitthal's name while painting that tears began streaming down her face. Zaheer, too, got emotional at that moment.

Zaheer Mirza with young pilgrims

Originally from Mumbai, Zaheer Mirza is a renowned fine artist from the prestigious 'JJ School of Arts'. He made a massive name for himself in the advertising sector. He held senior positions in the country's most powerful advertising agencies like 'Lintas' and 'JWT'. Not only that, but he also served as the Creative Head for Southeast Asia.

Zaheer even established his own advertising agency. However, for certain reasons, he sold it to a Japanese company. When he had money, fame, and glamour right at his feet, he began the second innings of his life at the age of 60. Instead of building brands for corporate giants, he decided to give something back to society.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Awaz The Voice Marathi (@awaztvmarathi)

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Zaheer started teaching at the very college he graduated from. In 2019, he began giving painting lessons at the JJ Institute of Applied Art. There, along with his students, he decided to launch several socially beneficial initiatives.