Enthusiastic Response to ‘Charan Seva’ for Warkaris: Chief Minister’s Relief Fund Initiative – Rameshwar Naik

Pune, July 2026 : To provide free healthcare services and foot care to the lakhs of Warkaris undertaking the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage to Pandharpur on foot, the ‘Charan Seva’ initiative, conceptualised by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is being implemented once again this year by the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and the Charitable Hospitals Assistance Cell, according to Rameshwar Naik, Head of the Cell.

The initiative will be conducted at nearly 400 halting points along the Palkhi routes spread across 11 districts of Maharashtra. More than 12,000 doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, paramedical staff, medical students and volunteers have been deployed to provide healthcare services to the pilgrims.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently visited one of the service centres in Pune, where he interacted with the Warkaris. He said that serving the Warkaris is equivalent to serving Lord Vitthal, adding that it is a privilege to be part of such a noble service initiative.

To help relieve the physical strain on the pilgrims’ feet caused by the long journey, the programme is offering foot massages using nearly 3,000 litres of medicated Ayurvedic oil, along with physiotherapy, first aid, medical examinations, and referrals to hospitals for advanced treatment whenever required. Ambulance services have also been kept on standby to respond to medical emergencies.

In addition, eight Health Awareness Chariots have been deployed along the Palkhi route to educate pilgrims and the public about various Central and State Government health schemes, the importance of hygiene, prevention of communicable and monsoon-related diseases, healthy lifestyles, and preventive healthcare practices. Yoga sessions have also been organised at selected locations.

Speaking about the initiative, Rameshwar Naik, Head of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Charitable Hospitals Assistance Cell, said that the ‘Charan Seva’ programme received an overwhelming response from Warkaris when it was launched last year under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

He added that this year the initiative has been expanded significantly, with services available at nearly 400 service centres across 11 districts, supported by over 12,000 healthcare professionals and volunteers, 3,000 litres of medicated Ayurvedic oil, ambulance services, and eight health awareness vehicles.

“Our objective is to ensure that quality healthcare reaches the maximum number of Warkaris during the pilgrimage,” Naik said.

Based on the theme “Devotion to Lord Vitthal… Service Through Healthcare”, the ‘Charan Seva’ initiative combines the spirit of selfless service associated with the Warkari tradition with modern medical care. The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and the Charitable Hospitals Assistance Cell have appealed to all Warkaris, Dindi leaders and residents along the Palkhi route to make full use of the services being offered under this initiative.