From Collecting Waste to Celebrating Life: Pune’s Waste Pickers Enjoy ‘SWaCH chi Jatra’

Pune, 9th March 2025: In a one-of-a-kind celebration, nearly 4,000 waste pickers from across Pune came together at Golibar Maidan to mark Waste Pickers’ Day and International Women’s Day. The event, titled ‘SWaCH chi Jatra,’ was organized by SWaCH, a cooperative of waste pickers.

The Jatra was a vibrant program, mirroring the spirit of traditional carnivals. It featured a variety of attractions, including a stage for cultural performances of waste pickers, games, a rangoli competition, mehendi stalls, food stalls, and dedicated photo booths. The waste pickers actively participated in these activities, making the event a grand success.

Adding to the enthusiasm, several renowned artists and groups, including Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ANIS), Pralay Band, and Sai, a rapper from Dharavi, performed as a tribute to the waste pickers.

The event was graced by Baba Adhav, a leader of unorganized workers, and Sunil Kamble, a Member of the Maharashtra Assembly. Pune Cantonment Board’s Joint CEO Digvijay Singh also graced the program with his presence. Baba Adhav sang a special song with the waste pickers and addressed them, saying, “You all clean the city every day, but there is some inner dirt that is not seen by the eyes— the dirt of caste barriers. Through such programs, we come together to cleanse that too.”

Sunil Kamble wished all the women a Happy Women’s Day and assured them that he would always stand by their side.
Some waste pickers also set up their own food stalls, serving delicious meals to their fellow workers. The event allowed them to take a well-deserved break from their daily labor and celebrate their contribution to the city’s cleanliness.

SWaCH, along with all the waste pickers, extended their gratitude to the Pune Cantonment Board and Pune Municipal Corporation for their support in making this event a success.