Pratap Sarnaik Deploys Five Mobile Charging Vans for Ashadhi Wari Pilgrims

During the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage in Maharashtra, lakhs of devotees embark on a long-distance journey on foot to the town of Pandharpur. To support these pilgrims, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik deployed five mobile charging vans along the pilgrimage route on July 11, 2026.

The initiative, which is funded entirely from Sarnaik's personal resources, aims to assist the Warkaris in keeping their mobile phones charged throughout their travel. The Ashadhi Wari is recognized as one of the largest annual religious pilgrimages in the state of Maharashtra, drawing lakhs of devotees who walk for several days to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal.

As the pilgrims walk these long distances to reach Pandharpur, they frequently encounter areas with limited access to electricity. This lack of power infrastructure makes it highly difficult for the walking devotees to keep their mobile phones charged. For many of these travelers, mobile phones have become an essential tool and serve as the primary means of communicating with their family members while they are away from home.

To help pilgrims maintain vital communication with their families, the five mobile charging vans will provide a continuous and accessible power source along the route. The service is expected to resolve the daily challenges faced by devotees who travel long distances without regular access to electrical outlets. This ensures that the Warkaris can complete their journey with the peace of mind that they can reach their homes at any time.

With these charging vans stationed along the path, the Warkaris will have the opportunity to charge their devices on the go. This initiative by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is designed to ensure that the lakhs of walking devotees can remain connected with their loved ones back home for the duration of the annual pilgrimage.