Disaster Awareness Tableau Captivates Devotees During Ashadhi Pilgrimage

Maharashtra’s Emergency Department leads ‘Dindi of Preparedness’ for millions of Warkaris

In a unique fusion of tradition and public safety, Maharashtra’s Disaster Management Department has launched a visually striking awareness campaign titled “Dindi Sajgattechi – Aapatti Vyavasthapanachi” (A Procession of Preparedness for Disaster Management) during the state’s iconic Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage.

As lakhs of Warkaris (devotees) trek on foot toward Pandharpur for the revered Ashadhi Ekadashi, this campaign has gained attention for its blend of religious symbolism and emergency awareness messaging. Spearheaded under the guidance of CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, the initiative seeks to make pilgrims alert and prepared for floods, cyclones, droughts, crowd control issues, and other emergencies.

Vibrant Tableau and Live Engagement

The campaign features four decorated tableau vehicles, supported by a 60-member team. These mobile exhibits display images of Lord Vitthal-Rukmini, spiritual traditions, and disaster preparedness visuals. The team uses:

• Posters and banners with concise safety messages
• Street plays and information stalls at key halts
• Mobile vans distributing leaflets in simple Marathi
• On-spot sessions encouraging devotees to be “sajag” (alert), not fearful

Since June 19, the tableaux have been traveling with the procession and will continue until Ashadhi Ekadashi on July 6, 2025. Minister Mahajan called the effort “a powerful merger of faith and civic preparedness.”

Pilgrim Response Overwhelmingly Positive

The tableau follows the main palanquins of saints Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram, attracting the attention of smaller dindis along the route. Warkaris have expressed appreciation for the state’s attempt to integrate spirituality with safety, ensuring their journey is not just devotional but also secure and informed.

The department is also educating pilgrims on how to act during disasters, how to save themselves and others, and how to report emergencies. Samples of spoiled or unsafe food are being collected as a precaution, and Food Safety on Wheels vans have also been deployed in tandem by the FDA.