Aashadhi Yatra ‘Lalpari’ has attracted millions of devotees and followers of Vishwasachi!

More than 9 lakh people through 5500 buses, physical and travel comfort, safe travel – Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik

Mumbai, August 2026 : ‘Pandharichi Vaari’ is the soul of Maharashtra’s Bhakti tradition. With the hope of seeing Vithurayya, the kingdom’s Kanakopayatoon Pandharpurkade, lakhs of devotees migrated, and here Maharashtra’s ‘Lalpari’ Vishwaschi’s companion became famous. For the purpose of Ashadhi Yatra, ST Mahamandal facilitated a happy and safe stay of more than 9 lakh pilgrims through about 5,500 buses. Transport Minister and ST Mahamandal President Pratap Sarnaik expressed his emotional reaction that the ST family has benefited from the good fortune of serving lakhs of people.

For the Ashadhi Yatra, the ST Mahamandal would have planned special transport for various parts of the state, Pandharpur. During the Yatra period, ST Mahamandalala made 21 thousand 527 trips through 9 lakh 24 thousand 738 physical and tourist trips, especially the ST Mahamandalala generated more than Rs 41 crore 18 lakh from the Yatra’s transportation. Compared to last year, the generation this year has increased by about Rs 5 crore 30 lakh.

Regarding this, Sarnaik said, “Lakhs of Varkaris head towards Pandhariya carrying the goods of Galyat Tulashichi, the name of Mukhi Vitthala and the offering of Maant Pandurangachya. Our Lalparila benefits every year by the fortune of being a small part of his devotional journey. Bringing a devotee to Pandharpura for the darshan of Vithurayya and taking him back safely to his family after the darshan is not just the migratory transport; the Vitthal service is done through this STC.” Aah.”

“Pravasi Devo Bhava”

Buses, drivers and carriers coming from various departments of the state as well as officers and employees of mechanical, security and administrative departments worked hard all night for the yatra. There is a lot of traffic, traffic stress and planning of thousands of trips by providing benefits of various concessions to the domestic travelers. In extremely challenging circumstances, ST employees fulfilled their responsibility by giving utmost priority to the safety of their loved ones. In such a way, the migrants in the entire state are our ‘Vithuraya’, such is the mantra ‘Pravasi Devo Bhava’ or the feeling that the ST officers and employees should continuously render their service, such is the call made by Minister Sarnaik.

“Every driver who drives a vehicle has a devotion to duty, every ST employee who serves Tashich or lakhs of devotees is seen as doing Vitthal service. I heartily congratulate the drivers, carriers, mechanical workers, officers and every hand working in the paddyam, keeping aside the festivals and celebrations in their home, every handcart working in the field. 9 Lakhs of devotees are happy to reach their desired destination, it is my ST family Vithuraya. Charani is the lowest flower offered,” said Sarnaik.

ST Mahamandal is not only an organization that transports migrants but is also a public service connecting the social, cultural and religious life of Maharashtra. Sarnaik also said that the relief on the faces of millions of people through Pandhari and the joy seen on the faces of their families after safe migration is the true earning of ST.

“It is our duty and our destiny to bring every devotee with the hope of seeing Vitthalachya safely to Pandhari and back home in happiness. The tradition of public service of ‘Lalpari’ will carry forward more efficiently in the future,” expressed a confident Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
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