Volunteers Give 3,264 Warkari Pilgrims Foot Massages at Dive Ghat for World Record
On July 11, a team of 153 volunteers set a world record by providing foot massages to 3,264 Warkari pilgrims at Zhendewadi, atop the steep Dive Ghat section of the Pune–Pandharpur pilgrimage route. Organized by the Pimpri Chinchwad-based yoga organization Yog Vidya Dham, the eight-hour initiative provided physical relief to devotees completing one of the most challenging legs of their annual walk.
The World Records Book of India (WRBI) officially recognized the achievement under the title "Most Pilgrims (Warkaris) Receiving Foot Massage in a Single Day." The massive humanitarian effort took place between 9:15 am and 5:15 pm.
The volunteer team, consisting of yoga instructors and massage therapists, offered therapy to pilgrims who had just finished the arduous 35-kilometre Pune–Saswad stretch. This portion of the journey is widely regarded as one of the longest and most physically taxing segments of the approximately 325-kilometre annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur.
Pramod Mukund Niphadkar, the leader of Yog Vidya Dham, explained that the organization offers Industrial Technical Institute-approved courses in acupuncture and massage. He noted that the group has a long history of supporting the pilgrims.
"We have seen what the Warkaris have to endure when they walk nearly 350 km, especially when they have to climb the steep ghats. We have served thousands of Warkaris over the last 12 years - except during the covid years - by providing them relief with massage and acupuncture. Somebody suggested that we should apply for a world record," Niphadkar said.
The record attempt was organized in association with the Sanjeevani Social Foundation. To secure the official recognition, the organizers compiled independent documentation, including beneficiary records, volunteer logs, photographs, video recordings, and testimonies from independent witnesses to satisfy WRBI standards.
Sushma Narvekar, the Founder and Chief Editor of the World Records Book of India, praised the initiative for its focus on humanitarian service. She stated that a world record is measured by its positive impact on humanity, calling the effort an inspiring example of leadership, compassion, and social responsibility.
