In a remarkable blend of devotion, fitness, and environmental awareness, a group of cyclists from Panvel Riders successfully completed a 355-kilometer cycle wari from Panvel to Pandharpur, spreading the message: “Ride a Bicycle, Save the Environment.”
The group was flagged off by former Member of Parliament Ramseth Thakur, who lauded the initiative for combining tradition with sustainability. “This initiative not only celebrates our spiritual heritage but also promotes sustainable travel and physical well-being,” said Thakur at the send-off event.
The cyclists undertook the three-day journey last week with determination, covering 145 kilometers each day, beginning at 7 a.m. and riding until 9 p.m. with hydration breaks every 20 kilometers. Proper planning and community support played a key role, with refreshment stops and even local families welcoming the riders into their homes.
"It is the blessing of Lord Pandurang that made this journey feel effortless," shared one of the participants. The wari, rooted in spiritual tradition, was given a modern twist of traveling not on foot, but by pedal power offering a new way to observe a deeply revered pilgrimage.
“Our group included participants aged between 28 to 62 years, and proudly, three of them were women. There was two teenagers as well but they rode certain parts,” said Ulka Dhuri, a member of the group. The journey served as a physical challenge as much as a spiritual one, uniting the participants in a shared purpose.
Among the cyclists who took part in this memorable journey were Rajkishori Landge, Vilas Kalamkar, Mahesh Khakre Patil, Vivek Apte, Dhananjay Dhakate, Sonal Bhome, Hariom Mhatre, Ulka Dhuri, M.S. Shelar, Hanumant Kadam, Sangeeta Jadhav, Bhujang Lokhande, Rakesh Durve, Shrikant Katkar, Kishor Narkar, Shashikant Redekar, Shubham Gaykar, Bhagwan Jadhav, Deepak Narvekar, Rajnandini Rasal, and Saniya Rasal.
