The sacred Ashadi Wari, a centuries-old pilgrimage that celebrates devotion, inclusivity, and Maharashtra’s spiritual legacy, witnessed an unfortunate breach of communal harmony this year in Pune’s Camp area. A Muslim woman has been accused of throwing pieces of red-coloured meat and bones at Warkaris (devotees of Bhagwan Vitthal) as they passed through the area on their way to Pandharpur.
The accused, identified as Nasim Shaikh (57), a resident of Solapur Road near Gaibipir Dargah and Mamadevi Chowk, has been booked by the Lashkar Police Station following a complaint lodged by Akkalwant Rathod, a resident of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and a participant in the Wari.
Incident Details
According to the police complaint filed by Rathod, the incident took place on the afternoon of June 21. The ‘dindi’ (procession group) of Warkaris was proceeding peacefully near Mamadevi Chowk when Maya Dhumal, a Warkari in the group, was struck by an object thrown from a roadside hut. Rathod inspected the object and discovered it was a piece of raw, red-coloured meat.
“I was shocked. Maya was confused, and when we realised what it was, I went to confront the woman. She hurled abuses at me and said, ‘Do whatever you want, I am not afraid,’” Rathod stated in his complaint.
Rathod immediately alerted a police officer deployed for Wari security. The officer disposed of the bone and assured Rathod that necessary legal action would be taken. Subsequently, Rathod visited Lashkar Police Station to file a formal complaint against Nasim Shaikh.
The police have confirmed that an FIR has been registered and an investigation is underway. “We are verifying the facts and statements. Peace will be maintained, and strict action will follow if any deliberate attempt to hurt religious sentiments is confirmed,” a police official said, as quoted in media reports.
Outrage among devotees
The incident has triggered strong reactions from several Warkaris and Hindu organisations. Many devotees expressed anguish, calling it a deliberate attempt to disrupt the sanctity of the Ashadi Wari.
“This isn’t just an insult to Maya Dhumal, it’s an insult to the entire tradition of Wari. We have always believed that Maharashtra’s Wari brings people of all communities together. Incidents like this create wounds in that trust,” said a Warkari elder, emotionally shaken by the event.
Ashadi Wari, an annual pilgrimage involving thousands of devotees walking for over 250 km to reach the Vitthal temple in Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, is considered the lifeline of Maharashtra’s devotional culture. The event is marked by unparalleled community service, devotional singing, and spiritual discipline. It is also an emblem of religious harmony, where people from diverse communities traditionally serve the Warkaris with food, water, and shelter.
State-imposed restrictions during Wari
In view of past tensions and to uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage, the Maharashtra state government has enforced a ban on meat and liquor sales in all areas where the Wari procession passes, including a strict ban during the entire period in Pandharpur.
Despite such regulations, this incident has raised concerns over enforcement and the potential for communal provocations. “It’s important for the administration to uphold both the spirit and letter of the restrictions. Incidents like these are exactly what the restrictions are meant to prevent,” a Warkari sangh leader commented.
Covert evangelism during Wari
This is not the first time the Ashadi Wari has faced attempts at religious provocation. Just days before this incident, a video surfaced from Pune’s Fatimanagar, showing a woman distributing Bible pamphlets disguised as de-addiction messages to Warkaris.
🎥 Caught on camera !
🚨 Religious Subversion in Pandharpur Wari ! 🚨
Christian missionaries are now targeting Warkaris — Bhakts of Bhagwan Vitthal — with Bible pamphlets during the Wari!
A woman in Pune’s Fatimanagar was seen handing out Bible pamphlets disguised as… pic.twitter.com/VtZpF8zpbf
— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) June 22, 2025
The pamphlets quoted verses like “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…”, leading many to accuse Christian missionaries of religious subversion during a deeply Hindu pilgrimage. “This is not de-addiction help, it’s evangelism in disguise,” said a social activist who shared the video on social media, calling it “a soft tactic to infiltrate and weaken Sanatan Dharma from within.”
Organisations have warned that missionary groups are increasingly using women and social service fronts to proselytise during large Hindu gatherings, where resistance may be minimal.
Call for vigilance
While Ashadi Wari continues to be an epitome of unity and collective devotion, such isolated yet provocative incidents threaten to derail the spiritual sanctity of the event.
At the same time, devotees and spiritual leaders have urged the government to ensure tighter vigilance and enforcement of religious sensitivity during such large-scale spiritual gatherings.
“Ashadi Wari is not just a walk to Pandharpur. It’s our soul’s journey. Anyone trying to pollute it, whether with hate, meat, or hidden agendas, must face the law,” said an elderly Warkari, as the dindi continued on its journey, undeterred but deeply wounded.
