Pune, 13th June 2026: Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Sunetra Pawar has directed all government departments to make comprehensive preparations for the upcoming Ashadhi Palakhi processions and ensure that Warkaris receive the best possible facilities and security during their pilgrimage.
Speaking at a planning meeting held in the Pune Divisional Commissioner’s Office, Pawar emphasized that all departments must work in close coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. The meeting was attended by public representatives, officials, trustees of the Palakhi processions, and Dindi leaders.
Pawar said that the Ashadhi Wari is one of Maharashtra’s most important cultural and spiritual traditions, attracting lakhs of devotees every year. She instructed authorities to complete all pending works on Palakhi routes, halt points, and resting locations well before the processions begin.
She also directed officials to ensure the availability of clean toilets, safe drinking water, healthcare services, help centres, and adequate directional signage for devotees. Special arrangements for women, including separate sanitation facilities and sanitary napkin vending machines, have also been planned.
Highlighting the importance of safety, Pawar asked police authorities to strengthen crowd management, traffic regulation, and security measures to prevent thefts and incidents of harassment. She further directed officials to deploy rescue teams and boats along the Chandrabhaga river area to handle emergencies.
During the meeting, officials reviewed preparations in Pune, Satara, and Solapur districts. Pawar also instructed the Divisional Commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to hold a separate review meeting to assess facilities and arrangements for Palakhi processions passing through the Marathwada region.