27 Lives Saved at Dive Ghat: How Bike Ambulance Volunteers Became Lifeline for Warkaris

Pune, 25th July 2026: As chants of “Jai Jai Ram Krishna Hari” echoed across the hills of Dive Ghat, lakhs of Warkaris continued their sacred journey towards Pandharpur. Amid the sea of devotees, another group was on a different mission—not to reach Vitthal first, but to help ensure that every devotee reached Pandharpur safely.

More than 21 Bike Ambulance volunteers assembled at Point No. 15 in Dive Ghat before sunrise and began their service at 7 am. Their motorcycles became some of the fastest and most effective emergency response vehicles on one of the busiest and most challenging stretches of the Wari.

With more than 12 lakh devotees crossing Dive Ghat this year, the steep climb, scorching heat and dense crowds led to several medical emergencies. Traditional ambulances often struggled to navigate the packed roads, making the first few minutes after a medical emergency critical.

Responding within moments, the Bike Ambulance team navigated narrow gaps in the crowd, administered first aid, provided hydration, monitored vital signs and coordinated with medical teams for further treatment.

By sunset, the volunteers had responded to dozens of emergencies and claimed to have helped save more than 27 lives, ensuring that critically ill Warkaris received timely medical attention.

Adding to the preparedness at Dive Ghat, Joint Commissioner of Police Sanjay Darade and Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Prashant Amrutkar remained at the site until the Palkhi crossed the most challenging section. They oversaw crowd management and emergency preparedness during the passage of the procession.

Volunteers Prafful Sarda and Kalyanaraman Venkatesan said, “Every Warkari is someone’s mother, father, brother or sister. During the Wari, saving a life is the greatest form of seva. We knew ambulances would face delays because of the massive crowd, so every volunteer stayed alert throughout the day. Despite the extreme heat, our team never stepped back, and together we were able to save more than 27 precious lives. These blessings are our biggest reward.”

The Bike Ambulance initiative has become an important part of emergency response during the Wari. Relying on volunteers and rapid response, the initiative demonstrates how quick medical assistance can help overcome the challenges posed by heavy crowds and difficult terrain.

For the lakhs of devotees who safely continued their journey, these volunteers may remain unknown by name. But for the families of those whose lives were saved, they will remain among the unsung heroes of the Ashadhi Wari.