Pune: In preparation for the upcoming Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage to Pandharpur, Maharashtra’s top leadership convened a high-level meeting at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde led the session, instructing officials to enhance planning and inter-departmental coordination with a strong focus on safety, sanitation, and infrastructure, particularly considering the anticipated early onset of the monsoon.
Deputy CM Shinde highlighted the Ashadhi Wari as a profound symbol of Maharashtra’s spiritual and cultural ethos, urging departments to work cohesively to ensure the smooth provision of key services. These include clean drinking water, mobile toilets, medical care, crowd and traffic management, and the construction of shelters along the Palkhi procession routes.
Key agenda items discussed during the meeting included guidelines for loudspeaker use, road widening projects, and the development of a model Warkari base at Wakhari. Additional infrastructure measures such as cardiac ambulances, waterproof shelters (mandaps), emergency medical kits, and an improved darshan pass system were also reviewed. Administrative officers demonstrated their readiness, while Dindi representatives and temple trustees shared insights and raised concerns.
The Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations received clear directives to manage the arrival of Palkhis without disrupting traffic and to erect roadside mandaps for pilgrims. Divisional commissioners were instructed to provide swift support to Palkhis originating from other districts.
A comprehensive police presence will be deployed to ensure no Palkhi moves unescorted, with a sharp focus on accident prevention and maintaining order. Plans were finalized to redevelop Sant Namdev Maharaj’s Ota at Wakhari and to establish a permanent Warkari model base.
With an expected turnout of 15 to 20 lakh Warkaris, the Vitthal Rukmini Warkari Bima Chhatra Yojana will continue this year. Additionally, more darshan passes will be issued for the prestigious ‘Manachya Palkhi’.
Aligning with the themes of ‘Nirmal Wari’ (Clean Pilgrimage) and ‘Harit Wari’ (Green Pilgrimage), the state aims to integrate eco-friendly practices. Key sustainable initiatives include:
Establishing Hirakani Kaksh and designated bathing zones for women, modeled after the Prayagraj Kumbh
Planting indigenous trees along the route to provide natural shade
Implementing organized waste collection and disposal systems
Installing 36 waterproof mandaps to protect pilgrims from monsoon rains
The meeting was attended by Ministers Jaykumar Gore, Prakash Abitkar, MoS Madhuri Misal, Vitthal Rukmini Temple Trust Co-Chairman H.B.P. Gahininath Maharaj Ausekar, senior government officials, and representatives from the ten Manachya Dindis.
The coordinated efforts underline the government’s commitment to preserving the sanctity of the Wari while ensuring the safety and comfort of millions of devotees.
