Over 2,350 Cyclists Complete 10th Pune–Pandharpur Cycle Wari, Making It India’s Largest Cycling Pilgrimage

Pune, June 23, 2026: The 10th edition of the Pune–Pandharpur Cycle Wari, organized by the Indo Athletics Society, concluded successfully on June 20, drawing a record participation of 2,350 cyclists from across India. The event, which combines fitness, devotion, and environmental awareness, has now earned recognition as the largest cycling pilgrimage in the country.

The cyclists began their journey before dawn from the Gatha Mandir in Dehu and completed the 235-kilometre ride to Pandharpur in a single day. The milestone 10th edition witnessed unprecedented enthusiasm, with participants travelling from various states to be part of the annual event.

Several dignitaries attended the occasion, including PCMC official Bapusaheb Gaikwad, MIDC officer Prakash Shetbale, entrepreneurs Annare Biradar and Tatyasaheb Shewale, Dr. Sandeep Sanap and Anil Sanap of Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra Director of Education Shriram Panzhade, along with IAS officers Gajanan Khaire, Ajit Patil and Ganesh Bhujbal.

Strong Participation by Women and Young Cyclists

Cycle Wari chief Giriraj Umrikar said the event has completed a decade of successful journeys and continues to attract growing participation every year.

“Like previous years, all participants completed the Dehu-to-Pandharpur ride within a day. This year, nearly 300 women cyclists and more than 100 young cyclists took part. We also saw significant participation from riders coming from outside Maharashtra,” he said.

Journey from Seven Riders to India’s Largest Cycle Wari

The initiative was launched in 2016 by the Indo Athletics Society with the objective of promoting cycling and integrating it with the spiritual tradition of the Wari pilgrimage. The inaugural edition had just seven participants.

Over the years, the event has witnessed remarkable growth:

• 2016 – 7 participants
• 2017 – 24 participants
• 2018 – 160 participants
• 2019 – Around 500 participants
• 2021 – 175 participants (during the post-pandemic period)
• 2022 – 1,200 participants
• 2023 – 1,500 participants
• 2024 – 1,750 participants
• 2025 – 1,950 participants
• 2026 – More than 2,350 participants

Founder member Gajanan Khaire said the steady growth of the initiative has established the Pune–Pandharpur Cycle Wari as India’s largest cycling pilgrimage.

Route Covered

The cyclists followed the traditional route:

Dehu – Nigdi – Nashik Phata – Hadapsar – Uruli Kanchan – Bhigwan – Indapur – Tembhurni – Pandharpur

Volunteers and Community Support Key to Success

The successful execution of the event was made possible through the efforts of a large team of volunteers and organizers, including Giriraj Umrikar, Avinash Chougule, Amit Pawar, Anup Kohale, Ajit Gore, Avinash Anuse, Abhijit Sarode, Ajay Chaurasia, Deepak Gurukul, Devidas Khurd, Kapil Patil, Maruti Vidhate, Mandar Shende, Nitin Pawar, Pradeep G. Take, Pramod Chinchwade, Pranay Kadu, Pratik Pawar, Prashant Tayde, Pawan Aher, Prashant Jadhav, Ramesh Mane, Rahul Rane, Santosh Nakhate, Sunil Chaku, Sushil More, Shrikant Chaudhary, Tushar Mane, Vivek Kadu, Yogesh Taware, Sudhakar Tilekar, Shailesh Patil, Amruta Patil, Manoj Kashid, Narayan Magdud, Madan Shinde and Hemant Dangat Patil, among many others.

The initiative also received support from local civic bodies, social organizations, cycling groups and volunteers along the route. Indapur Municipal Council President Bharatbhai Shah and senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Baba Kokate from Tembhurni were among those who extended assistance.

Organizers said the Cycle Wari has emerged as a unique platform that promotes physical fitness, environmental sustainability and the centuries-old Warkari tradition, while inspiring a positive social message through community participation.