Pune Housing Societies Turn Shelters for Warkaris; Residents Offer Parking Spaces, Meals, and Hospitality

Pune, 21st June 2025: As the sacred Ashadhi Wari makes its way through Pune en route to Pandharpur, housing societies across the city’s central areas have opened their gates—and their hearts—to thousands of Warkaris. In a touching display of devotion and community spirit, residents are offering not only meals and drinking water but also converting parking lots into temporary shelters for the pilgrims.

Traditionally, charitable trusts, Ganesh mandals, and social organizations have taken the lead in providing food and rest facilities during the Palkhi’s halt in Pune. However, in recent years—and particularly this year, spurred by continuous monsoon rains—residential societies have taken on a more active and generous role.

Parking Lots Become Pilgrim Shelters

Many societies have voluntarily vacated their covered parking areas, relocating vehicles to roadsides or alternative spaces to make room for Warkaris. These cleared-out parking areas are now serving as makeshift rest zones, complete with tents, mats, and clean surroundings for overnight stays.

“Societies in central Pune have come forward not just to offer meals, but also safe shelter. Covered parking lots are being repurposed as resting areas for Warkaris,” said Somnath Naik, a volunteer helping coordinate these efforts across multiple societies.

A Legacy of Devotion Lives On

In Shukrawar Peth, resident Vinayak Ghate spoke of how traditions have adapted with the changing urban landscape. “Earlier, Warkaris would rest in wada-style homes. As the city has transformed, we’ve found new ways to carry forward the same spirit—offering our parking areas as shelter is one such way,” he said.

The Ghate family has been hosting Warkaris for over 75 years. With limited indoor space in their modern apartment, they now put up tents in nearby open areas to continue the family tradition. They also serve meals and organize spiritual programs such as bhajan-kirtan, which see active participation from neighbors and fellow devotees.

“What began with my great-grandfather is now a community-wide effort,” Vinayak noted, emphasizing the continuity and shared responsibility across generations.

Clean, Safe, and Spiritual

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has extended support by ensuring proper sanitation around temporary shelters, helping create a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for the pilgrims.

As the Ashadhi Wari moves ahead toward Pandharpur, Pune’s residents are offering more than just physical support—they are upholding a time-honored tradition of Seva, turning urban spaces into sanctuaries of faith and compassion. This collective effort reflects not only religious hospitality but also civic pride rooted in cultural heritage.