Pune, 17 June 2025: In a unique blend of spirituality and wellness, lakhs of Varkari devotees will perform yoga along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on World Yoga Day, June 21. The initiative, titled ‘Varkari-Bhakti Yoga’, will take place in Pune where the palanquins of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj will halt on this occasion.

Savitribai Phule Pune University Vice Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi and University Advisory Committee member Rajesh Pandey shared the details at a press conference on Monday. They said that nearly 10 lakh devotees, students, citizens, and members from social and political circles are expected to participate in this massive event.

The program is a joint effort by the Maharashtra Government, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune Municipal Corporation, National Service Scheme, Shri kshetra Alandi and Shri Kshetra Dehu organizations, along with the Student Vikas Mancha. Key university officials and education department representatives were present during the press briefing.

The main yoga event will be conducted at the Pune University auditorium at 8 am. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Minister Chandrakant Patil will attend the gathering. Around five lakh Punekars and Varkari devotees within Pune city limits are expected to join the mass yoga session.

More than 200 colleges, 25 universities, multiple social organizations, local political parties, and Ganesh Mandal volunteers will take active part in this unique fusion of bhakti and yoga. College students will be assigned to each Dindi (group of devotees) to coordinate and assist during the event, added Pandey.

Organizers have appealed to all interested volunteers and students to register in advance. Each Dindi must enroll its Student Welfare Officer, NSS Program Officer, and at least 20 volunteers through the link https://bcud.unipune.ac.in/NSS/NSS_Registration/Bhaktiyog_Registration.aspx. Registered participants will receive certificates, caps, and T-shirts for the event.