Distribution of Cloth Bags and Steel Water Bottles to Warkaris by Utkarsh Global Foundation

Receives Enthusiastic Response During the ‘Environmental Dindi’

This year’s Ashadhi Wari (pilgrimage) saw a unique procession that not only served the devotees journeying to seek Lord Vitthal’s blessings but also raised awareness about the harmful effects of plastic usage. This special ‘Dindi’ (pilgrim group) was organized by Utkarsh Global Foundation, a charitable organization. Volunteers from the foundation also collected plastic bottles discarded along the pilgrimage route and ensured their proper disposal.

Established in 2010, Utkarsh Global Foundation works in the fields of environmental conservation, value-based education, and inclusive community development.

A 60-member volunteer team from the foundation began their journey from Dehu on June 18. They joined the main pilgrimage at Varvan. At this point, the foundation performed a kirtan (devotional song and storytelling session) to raise awareness about the environmental damage caused by excessive plastic use. Additionally, puppet shows highlighting the ill-effects of plastic pollution were performed by the volunteers in Baramati. The Dindi featured a symbolic ‘Plastic Demon’—a giant effigy representing the menace of plastic.

The volunteers carried sacred Tulsi (holy basil) saplings during their walk. They stayed with the Warkaris at 20–25 different halts, where they offered services like massaging tired feet and providing general assistance to the pilgrims. At six different locations along the route, collective pledge ceremonies were conducted where the pilgrims vowed:
“We will curb the use of plastic, avoid unnecessary plastic use, and ensure proper disposal of plastic products.”

The Dindi concluded alongside the traditional Wari in Pandharpur on July 6. Over the course of the pilgrimage, Utkarsh Global Foundation distributed 500,000 stainless steel water bottles and 500,000 cloth bags to the Warkaris. Last year, the foundation had distributed the same number of cloth bags and around 250,000 steel water bottles. It was this experience that inspired the idea of raising awareness against excessive plastic use, said the founder and president of the organization, Advocate Dagdu Londhe, who also participated in the Dindi.

He also shared that during the Kumbh Mela, the foundation had distributed 2.5 million cloth bags, and in Ayodhya, they installed 250 vending machines that sell these bags at very low prices. Advocate Londhe expressed his confidence that the overwhelming response to this initiative would help raise awareness across Maharashtra about plastic usage. He also acknowledged the valuable support of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, in making this campaign a success.