Pune Municipal Corporation Launches ‘Sevawari’ Initiative for Ashadhi Wari; Extensive Arrangements Made for Lakhs of Warkaris
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 2nd July 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a first-of-its-kind initiative, ‘Sevawari’, to coincide with the annual Ashadhi Wari and the Palkhi processions of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj. The initiative aims to promote volunteerism, preserve the rich traditions of the Wari, and encourage active public participation through a series of social, cultural and service-oriented activities.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday,
Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure said the initiative, themed “My City, My Responsibility”, seeks to transform the service of lakhs of Warkaris into a city-wide social movement while also documenting the various activities associated with the Palkhi procession.
“The Ashadhi Wari is a celebration of Maharashtra’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Through the ‘Sevawari’ initiative, Pune Municipal Corporation has attempted to transform the service of Warkaris into a people’s movement under the theme ‘My City, My Responsibility’. Along with comprehensive civic arrangements, we have planned several cultural and social initiatives to encourage active participation from students and citizens. I appeal to all Punekars to come forward as volunteers and help make this year’s Palkhi procession safe, clean and memorable,” Nagpure said.
The programme will begin on Thursday with a citywide painting competition across all PMC and private schools. Around 436,000 students from Classes V to X are expected to participate simultaneously. The competition aims to familiarise students with the cultural, spiritual and historical significance of the Wari tradition and Pune’s spiritual heritage.
PMC has also announced an open photography competition for citizens and a fancy dress competition for children aged 0 to 16 years. These events are intended to showcase different aspects of the Palkhi procession while encouraging wider community participation.
As large numbers of volunteers are required for cleanliness drives, public awareness campaigns and other service activities along the Palkhi route, the civic body has appealed to non-governmental organisations, college students and citizens to join the ‘Sevawari’ initiative.
The programme will conclude on July 10 at 9 pm with a mass recitation of the ‘Pasaydan’. Citizens have been invited to participate either in person or online to pray for global peace and universal well-being.
Meanwhile, PMC has completed extensive preparations to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Palkhi procession. The civic body has deployed 2,000 toilets, six German hangar sheds, 195 temporary shelters, 40 medical centres, 40 health teams, 180 physiotherapists, 100 medical students and 400 medical kits for the convenience of Warkaris.
A total of 42 ambulances, including 20 operated by PMC and 22 by voluntary organisations, will remain on standby. Additional arrangements include water tankers, fire brigade support, emergency pumps, veterinary services for horses and other animals, dog squads, special lighting and drainage management along the procession route.
The civic administration said its entire machinery has been mobilised to ensure that the Ashadhi Wari is conducted in a safe, clean and seamless manner, with all departments working in close coordination.
Highlights of the ‘Sevawari’ Initiative
Simultaneous painting competition involving 436,000 students.
Open photography competition for all citizens.
Fancy dress competition for children aged 0–16 years.
Deployment of 2,000 toilets, six German hangar sheds and 195 temporary shelters.
40 health teams, 42 ambulances and 180 physiotherapists on duty.
Mass recitation of ‘Pasaydan’ on July 10 at 9 pm to conclude the initiative.
