Managing Religious Gatherings

Ashadhi Wari 2025 shows how careful planning, tech-driven crowd management and seamless inter-agency coordination can create safe and sustainable pilgrimage for millions

- ANIL SWARUP

Managing large religious congregations is a tricky affair. The Ashadhi Wari of 2025 in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, was one such event where meticulous planning, extensive deployment of personnel, advanced technology, and strong inter-agency coordination did the trick. The Solapur Rural Police Force implemented a multi-layered security and management plan, ensuring a peaceful, accident-free, and smooth pilgrimage experience for millions of devotees. What happened here is a lesson for others who may undertake a similar exercise.

Apart from the other arrangements, the Communication, Action and Response Team (CART), trained by Resilient India, deployed 7 officers and 325 personnel at key high-density locations like Mahadwar Ghat, Namdev Payari, Chauphala, and the 65-acre area. The Hold and Release technique regulated pilgrim flow, preventing overcrowding and stampedes. This resulted in zero stampedes and smooth movement of the procession. Devotees were temporarily held at designated checkpoints until congestion ahead cleared, then released in a controlled manner. This maintained a steady flow, prevented overcrowding, and eliminated the risk of stampedes. As a result, pilgrims could walk comfortably without excessive halts or crowd pressure, making the entire journey safer and more organised. To prevent congestion in temple areas, a one-way exit route from Paschimdwar to Chauphala was enforced, allowing smooth movement of Warkaris after darshan without backflow into the main crowd. Motorcycle-mounted GAMA Commandos ensured smooth traffic and procession flow. They managed over 50,000 private vehicles, 6,200 buses, and 130+ trains, preventing gridlock in the city. Help centers were set up at nine key points with 450 volunteers, reuniting 2,675 lost persons with their families.