Bhakti Chalak/Pune

Every year, thousands of Warkaris make the pilgrimage to Pandharpur, carrying cymbals (taal-mridang) and sacred Tulsi Vrindavans on their heads as they sing devotional hymns in praise of Lord Vitthal. As the Palkhis (palanquins) from across Maharashtra halt in Pune, the city transforms into a vibrant centre of faith and devotion. As always, Members of Pune's Muslim community once again stepped forward to serve the pilgrims.

The long journey often leaves Warkaris with blisters, muscle pain and exhaustion. To provide immediate medical assistance, the Work Charitable Trust and the Love Share and Care Foundation jointly organised a health camp at Sant Gadge Maharaj Math in Rasta Peth.

A team of doctors led by Dr Arif Shaikh examined the pilgrims, offered medical consultations and distributed free medicines.

Recognising that foot ailments are among the most common problems faced by Warkaris, the organisers also set up a dedicated foot-care and massage section. Volunteers from D.Y. Patil Nursing College provided therapeutic foot massages, helping devotees recover from fatigue caused by days of continuous walking.

Explaining the inspiration behind the initiative, Owais Ansari said, "We draw inspiration from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Relieving people's pain and suffering is among the greatest acts of service to humanity, and such service is needed now more than ever."

The camp was coordinated by Wasim Shaikh, Pune head of the Work Charitable Trust, along with Piyush Shah and Akash Bhalia of the Love Share and Care Foundation, ensuring that thousands of pilgrims received timely assistance.

Another initiative was organised jointly by the Paschim Maharashtra Education Trust and the Samajik Uddhar Sanstha, which distributed snacks to thousands of Warkaris passing through Pune.

The programme was led by Zuber Rashid Khan, president of the Paschim Maharashtra Education Trust, Siraj Khan, president of the Samajik Uddhar Sanstha, Sattar Shaikh, Jamiatul Ansar Trust vice-president Jafar Shaikh, Shahid Shaikh, Siddiq Shaikh, Ghaus Shaikh, Chand Shaikh, and several Muslim youths from Chamde Galli.

The Warkaris were warmly welcomed and served refreshments. Organisers also recalled Sant Tukaram Maharaj's abhang, "Allah Deve, Allah Dilave...", highlighting its enduring message of equality, humanity and communal harmony. Local residents and pilgrims alike appreciated the gesture.

In Ganesh Peth, the Khan family has been serving Warkaris for the past five years by offering tea, breakfast and refreshments as the Palkhi procession passes their home.

The tradition began under the guidance of the family's elders and has since become an annual practice.

"Our father started this service, and we have continued it for the past five years," said Sikandar Khan. "Since the Palkhi passes near our home, we consider it our duty to welcome and serve the Warkaris."

For nearly a century, businessman Ikram Khan and his family in Yerwada have been welcoming Warkaris with food, drinking water, snacks and other essential services.

The family's association with the Wari dates back to 1932, when Ikram Khan's grandfather, Mosa Khan, began serving the pilgrims. His father, Isa Khan, continued the tradition and also actively participated in the annual Ram Navami celebrations at the Ram Temple in Ramwadi, strengthening bonds of communal harmony.

Today, the third generation continues the legacy. Ikram Khan and his son, Ahad Ikram Khan, remain committed to preserving the family's tradition of public service.

"Serving the Warkaris is not merely a family tradition but a responsibility entrusted to us by our ancestors," Ikram Khan said. "My grandfather taught us the values of humanity, and we are proud that the third generation is carrying this legacy forward."

Members of Team SRK Pune also organised the distribution of tea, water and snacks for the pilgrims undertaking the long journey from Alandi to Pandharpur.

The volunteers said they were honoured to contribute to the Wari and prayed for the safe and peaceful journey of every pilgrim. Their initiative received appreciation from both Warkaris and local residents.

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In another gesture reflecting Pune's spirit of communal harmony, Nasir Pathan, Deputy Sarpanch of Kadamwak Vasti in Haveli taluka, along with his family, showered marigold petals on the Palkhi of Sant Tukaram Maharaj. A video of the event has since gone viral on social media.