From Hyderabad with Love: Abdul Razzak Chacha’s 30-Year Tradition of Serving Warkaris in Pune
Nana Peth, 21st June 2025: As the Palkhis of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj arrive in Pune for their scheduled halt, the city has once again witnessed a wave of devotion and service. While many citizens and organizations across Pune are offering various forms of assistance to Warkaris, one man’s quiet, consistent contribution stands out—Abdul Razzak Chacha, a 70-year-old healer from Hyderabad.
For the last 30 years, Razzak Chacha has made it his annual ritual to travel from Hyderabad to Pune during the Ashadhi Wari to serve the Warkaris. Stationed at Sakhalipir Talim in Nana Peth, where both Palkhis are currently resting, he provides therapeutic massages using herbal oils he prepares himself. His humble yet impactful service has earned him the love and respect of countless pilgrims.
A Tradition Rooted in Service
Originally from Narayanpet, Hyderabad, Razzak Chacha had lived in Pune for a few years at his daughter’s residence. During that time, he was introduced to the tradition of Warkari service by Ravindra Malvadkar, the president of Sakhalipir Talim. “He told me, ‘You must serve the Warkaris,’ and I have been doing it ever since,” said Razzak Chacha.
He makes his own oils from medicinal herbs and applies them to ease the physical exhaustion of the pilgrims. Despite having returned to Hyderabad nearly a decade ago, he continues to return to Pune every year, never missing the chance to serve.
“I eagerly wait for the Palkhi schedule to be announced. Once it is, I travel to Pune from Hyderabad to offer my service. This seva brings me immense joy. I truly believe it has protected me from many hardships in life,” he shared with visible emotion.
Service Beyond Boundaries
His friend Rafiq Chacha also assists in the massages, using oil prepared by Razzak. Together, they help tired Warkaris find relief after walking long distances. What makes their service even more special is the message it sends: compassion beyond caste, religion, and social divides.
A Warkari who has been receiving massage therapy from Razzak Chacha for years said, “We feel so relaxed after the massage. It’s not just physical relief—it’s the warmth, the care. He never treats us differently. This is true devotion.”
Symbol of Harmony
In a time when divisions often dominate headlines, the story of Abdul Razzak Chacha is a powerful reminder of India’s spiritual unity. His service at a religious pilgrimage rooted in the Bhakti movement, despite not being a follower of the Warkari tradition himself, highlights the deep, shared values of humanity and selflessness.
As the Palkhi continues its sacred journey toward Pandharpur, it carries with it stories like Razzak Chacha’s—stories that quietly but profoundly reaffirm the spirit of seva (service) and sarvadharma sambhav (respect for all religions).
