Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis participated in the Warkari Foot Service initiative in Pune after offering prayers at the Palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram Maharaj. He praised volunteers and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving Wari facilities.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Participates in Warkari Foot Service, Prays for Devotees and Farmers During Pune Wari

Pune, July 10, 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis participated in the ‘Shreeshakt Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari Warkaris’ Foot Service’ initiative in Pune on Friday after offering prayers at the sacred Palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli and Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj. Calling service to Warkaris the “true service of Vithuraya,” the Chief Minister praised volunteers and organizations dedicated to supporting devotees during the annual Wari pilgrimage.

The event, organized by the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and the Dharmaday Rugnalaya Department, focused on providing foot care and relief to Warkaris undertaking the long journey to Pandharpur.

Chief Minister Offers Prayers Before Joining Service Initiative

Earlier in the day, Devendra Fadnavis visited Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Bhavani Peth to seek blessings from the sacred Padukas of Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli. He later visited Nivdunga Vitoba Temple, where he offered prayers before the Padukas of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj and performed the traditional Palkhi Puja.

During the visits, the Chief Minister prayed for the happiness, safety, and well-being of the Warkaris participating in the Wari, as well as for Maharashtra’s farming community.

‘Serving Warkaris Is Serving Lord Vitthal’

Addressing the gathering after the Palkhi darshan, Fadnavis said it was a privilege to participate in the foot service initiative after receiving the blessings of the revered saints.

He noted that thousands of Warkaris walk long distances to reach Pandharpur and that providing foot care helps ease the physical strain of the pilgrimage. According to the Chief Minister, serving devotees of Lord Vitthal is itself a form of worship.

He also highlighted a unique aspect of the Warkari tradition, where devotees greet one another with humility and reverence, seeing the divine in every individual.

Government Highlights Support for the Annual Wari

The Chief Minister said the Maharashtra government has taken several steps to improve facilities for Warkaris during the annual pilgrimage.

According to him, these initiatives include:

• Modern equipment for foot care through the Rural Development Department.
• German hangars for temporary shelter.
• The Nirmal Wari cleanliness campaign.
• Wider and better-developed Palkhi routes.
• Additional infrastructure and public facilities for pilgrims.

Fadnavis also said the government aims to complete the Pandharpur Corridor project within the next two to three years. He added that the long-term vision is to develop Pandharpur as a major religious destination comparable to Kashi, Ayodhya, and Ujjain.

Dignitaries Attend the Event

The programme was attended by Union Minister of State Muralidhar Mohol, MLA Sunil Kamble, MLA Hemant Rasane, and several other public representatives and dignitaries.

Why This Matters

The annual Ashadhi Wari is one of Maharashtra’s most significant spiritual traditions, bringing together lakhs of devotees who walk to Pandharpur in devotion to Lord Vitthal.

Support initiatives such as foot care camps, medical assistance, sanitation, and temporary shelters play an important role in improving the safety and comfort of pilgrims. The government’s continued investment in Wari-related infrastructure also reflects efforts to preserve and strengthen Maharashtra’s cultural and religious heritage.

Conclusion

By participating in the Warkari Foot Service programme, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the importance of service alongside devotion during the Ashadhi Wari. His visits to the sacred Palkhis, prayers for devotees and farmers, and emphasis on improving pilgrim facilities reinforced the significance of the Wari as both a spiritual tradition and a shared community effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What event did Devendra Fadnavis attend in Pune?

He participated in the ‘Shreeshakt Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari Warkaris’ Foot Service’ programme after offering prayers at the Palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli and Sant Tukaram Maharaj.

2. What is the Warkari Foot Service initiative?

It is a service programme that provides foot care and relief to Warkaris undertaking the long pilgrimage to Pandharpur.

3. What message did the Chief Minister share?

He said that serving the devotees of Lord Vitthal is the true service of Vithuraya and praised volunteers supporting Warkaris during the pilgrimage.

4. What facilities has the government introduced for Warkaris?

The government has introduced modern foot-care equipment, German hangars, the Nirmal Wari cleanliness campaign, improved Palkhi routes, and other facilities for pilgrims.

5. What is the Pandharpur Corridor project?

It is a government initiative aimed at improving infrastructure in Pandharpur, with the goal of developing it into a major religious destination over the next few years.

Key Takeaways

• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis participated in the Warkari Foot Service programme in Pune on July 10, 2026.
• He offered prayers at the sacred Palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli and Sant Tukaram Maharaj.
• The Chief Minister described service to Warkaris as the true service of Lord Vitthal.
• He prayed for the well-being of Warkaris, farmers, and the people of Maharashtra.
• The Maharashtra government highlighted ongoing efforts to improve facilities for pilgrims and advance the Pandharpur Corridor project.