Maharashtra government plans safer, greener Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage

Mumbai: The stage is all set for the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage to the temple town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra. 

Many arrangements and experiences of the recently-concluded Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh have been incorporated. 

Lakhs of devotees from Maharashtra, who march during the nearly three month-long pilgrimage, will perform pooja and rituals at the temple of Lord Vitthal on the auspicious occasion of Ashanti Ekadasi.

People from neighbouring states including Karnataka also join the festivities. 

Every year, an estimated 15–20 lakh Warkaris participate in this holy pilgrimage.

The temple town of Pandharpur in the Solapur district  houses the Vithoba Temple, known as Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir - dedicated to God Vithoba - a form or incarnation of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna and his consort Goddess Rakhumai. 

The idol is called by different names Vithoba, Pandurang, Pandhari, Vithal, Vithalnath. 

The temple is located on the banks of Chandrabhaga River.

There are hundreds of other temples in Pandharpur, which is often referred to as the Dakshin Kashi - which shows the importance and significance of the place.  

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a meeting on Ashadi Wari in which Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who holds the Urban Development portfolio, Minister of Rural Development, Jaykumar Gore, Public Health Minister, Prakashrao Abitkar and Minister of State for Urban Development, Transport, Social Justice, Medical Education and Munster Development & Waqf Madhuri Misal were present.

"The Ashadhi Wari, a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural heritage, will be more organized, detailed, and collaborative this year, especially with the early arrival of the monsoon. Directed all departments to coordinate effectively to ensure better facilities like mobile toilets, clean drinking water, healthcare services, and security arrangements along the Palkhi routes,” Fadnavis said. 

“Detailed discussions were held on loudspeaker regulations, road widening, setting up a model Warkari camp at Wakhari, deployment of cardiac ambulances, darshan pass system, medical supplies and waterproof tents. Administrative teams presented preparedness plans, while key Dindi representatives and temple trustees shared their challenges,” the CM said. 

The Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation have been asked to make special arrangements to welcome Palkhis without disrupting traffic and constructing mandaps along the roadside. 

Comprehensive police arrangements are being put in place to ensure no Palkhi moves without police presence, with a concrete action plan for traffic regulation, accident prevention, and Dindi coordination.

To ensure the safety of pilgrims, the 'Vitthal Rukmini Warkari Bima Chhatra Yojana' will continue, and the number of darshan passes for 'Manachya Palkhi' will be increased.

“Recognising Wari as not just a spiritual but also a social responsibility, initiatives like 'Nirmal Wari, Harit Wari' are being emphasised. Key directives include - Hirkani Kaksha' and dedicated bathing units for women, inspired by Prayagraj Kumbh, planting native trees for roadside shade, waste management and garbage collection systems, setting up of 36 waterproof mandaps,” he said.

The two important ‘palkis’ (palanquins) carry the ‘paduka’ (revered symbolic footwear) of Sant Tukaram Maharaj (Dehu) and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj (Alandi) in Pune district around June 19-20, 2025.

The procession will reach Pandharpur on July 6, 2025, which is the day of Ashadhi Ekadashi.