With the auspicious Ashadhi Wari 2025 set to culminate in Pandharpur on July 6, the Maharashtra state administration has stepped up security measures to ensure the safety and smooth movement of the lakhs of devotees—known as Warkaris—expected to attend the annual pilgrimage.
To manage the large influx of pilgrims, the state police force has deployed 6,000 personnel and 3,200 home guards. In addition, six contingents of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) have also been stationed along the Wari route for heightened vigilance.
The entire palanquin (Dindi) route will be monitored through drone surveillance, ensuring real-time situational awareness and crowd control. Authorities have emphasized that the police administration remains on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents during the sacred procession.
This year’s Wari is likely to witness an unprecedented surge in attendance, thanks to satisfactory monsoon rainfall across the state. Official estimates suggest that 15 to 16 lakh Warkaris may congregate in Pandharpur to pay their respects to Lord Vithoba.
To accommodate the massive turnout, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is gearing up to run additional buses from rural areas to Pandharpur. These services aim to facilitate easy and timely access for devotees traveling from remote villages.
The administration has assured that all essential systems are in place—including security, transport, healthcare, and sanitation—to ensure the safety, comfort, and spiritual experience of every Warkari participating in this sacred journey.