Ashadhi Wari 2025: Maharashtra Govt Prepares For A Safer And Greener Pandharpur Pilgrimage
Ashadhi Wari 2025: Maharashtra Govt Prepares For A Safer And Greener Pandharpur Pilgrimage
Mumbai, May 29, 2025: In a high-level review meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed officials to ensure enhanced planning and coordination for the upcoming Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage to Pandharpur, with an emphasis on safety, hygiene, and infrastructure—especially in view of the early monsoon.
Describing the Ashadhi Wari as a symbol of Maharashtra’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, Shinde emphasized the need for improved collaboration among departments to provide essential services such as mobile toilets, safe drinking water, medical support, security, and traffic control along the Palkhi routes.
The meeting featured detailed discussions on issues including loudspeaker norms, road widening, and setting up a model Warkari base at Wakhari. Provisions for cardiac ambulances, medical kits, waterproof mandaps, and a darshan pass system were also reviewed. Administrative officials showcased their preparedness, while representatives from key Dindis and temple trustees highlighted challenges and offered suggestions.
Special instructions were issued to Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations to welcome Palkhis without causing traffic disruptions and to build mandaps along roadsides. Divisional commissioners have been tasked with extending prompt assistance to Palkhis arriving from outside districts.
Shinde also ordered comprehensive police deployment to ensure no Palkhi proceeds without escort, with specific attention to accident prevention and crowd control. Plans to redevelop Sant Namdev Maharaj Ota at Wakhari, and establish a dedicated Warkari model base, were also finalised.
With 15–20 lakh Warkaris expected to join the pilgrimage, the Vitthal Rukmini Warkari Bima Chhatra Yojana will continue this year, and more darshan passes for the ‘Manachya Palkhi’ will be issued.
In line with the themes of ‘Nirmal Wari’ and ‘Harit Wari’, green and sustainable practices will be promoted. Key initiatives include:
- Hirakani Kaksh and dedicated bathing areas for women, inspired by Prayagraj Kumbh
- Plantation of native trees along the Palkhi route for natural shade
- Waste collection and disposal systems
- Installation of 36 waterproof mandaps for monsoon protection
The meeting was attended by Ministers Jaykumar Gore, Prakash Abitkar, MoS Madhuri Misal, Co-Chairman of Vitthal Rukmini Temple Trust H.B.P. Gahininath Maharaj Ausekar, and senior officials along with representatives from the ten Manachya Dindis.
