11 July,2026 05:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/Special Arrangement
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has deployed five mobile charging vans for pilgrims participating in the Ashadhi Wari, with the initiative funded from his personal resources. The service is intended to help Warkaris keep their mobile phones charged and remain in touch with their families during the pilgrimage to Pandharpur.
The Ashadhi Wari is one of Maharashtra's largest annual religious pilgrimages, drawing lakhs of devotees who walk for several days to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal. During the journey, pilgrims often travel long distances with limited access to electricity, making it difficult to keep their mobile phones charged. As mobile phones have become an essential means of communication, the charging facility is expected to help devotees remain connected with their families throughout the pilgrimage.
The five mobile charging vans, operated with the support of Yuva Shiv Sainiks, are travelling alongside the Wari and providing free charging services to pilgrims whenever required. According to the organisers, each van is equipped to charge up to 100 mobile phones simultaneously, allowing hundreds of devotees to use the facility over the course of the day.
The initiative has been designed to address a practical challenge faced by many Warkaris during the pilgrimage. Since many devotees spend several days away from home, access to a charged mobile phone enables them to update their families about their well-being and stay in contact throughout the journey.
Speaking about the initiative, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, "The Wari is a tradition of selfless service. Serving the Warkaris is equivalent to serving Lord Vitthal. If their mobile phones remain functional, their families will continue to smile with reassurance. This facility is not merely about charging mobile phones; it is a small effort to preserve human relationships, affection, and trust."
The mobile charging service has been introduced as an additional public convenience during the Ashadhi Wari, where lakhs of devotees undertake the annual pilgrimage on foot. Organisers said the vans will continue to accompany the Wari throughout the journey, ensuring that pilgrims have access to charging facilities whenever needed.
The initiative seeks to improve communication for devotees travelling far from their homes while reducing concerns among their families. By offering free access to mobile charging during the pilgrimage, the service addresses a basic requirement for pilgrims and adds to the support facilities available along the Wari route.
