Pune: PMC Declares Week-Long Holiday for 101 Municipal Schools to Accommodate Ashadhi Wari Pilgrims Amid Heavy Rains

Pune, 7th July 2026: In view of persistent heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions in Dehu and Alandi, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has declared a week-long holiday for 101 municipal schools to accommodate Warkaris participating in the Ashadhi Wari.

According to the PMC’s decision, the affected schools will remain closed from Tuesday to Sunday. The school buildings will serve as temporary shelters, providing safe accommodation, rest, and basic amenities for the lakhs of Warkaris travelling through Pune on their pilgrimage to Pandharpur.

The decision follows continuous rainfall across the region, which has created flood-like conditions, particularly in Dehu and Alandi. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, the civic administration has prioritised the safety and welfare of the pilgrims.

Pune is a major halt for the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi during the annual Ashadhi Wari. This year, the prevailing weather conditions have prompted the administration to make additional arrangements to ensure that pilgrims have access to secure shelter and essential facilities.

PMC has instructed the headmasters of the 101 municipal schools to hand over their premises for the temporary stay of Warkaris and ensure the required arrangements are in place. Parents and students of the affected schools have been informed about the temporary closure. Regular classes are expected to resume next Monday after the pilgrims continue their onward journey.

Meanwhile, the civic body has intensified its disaster management and emergency response measures across the city as Pune continues to experience heavy rainfall while preparing for one of Maharashtra’s largest annual religious processions.