Mumbai’s iconic dabbawalas will take a day off from their daily duties on Monday, July 7, 2025, to participate in the annual Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage, known as the Pandharpur Wari. The Mumbai Dabbawala Association announced that their lunchbox delivery service across the city will remain suspended for the day as hundreds of dabbawalas head to Pandharpur to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal.
Each year, lakhs of Warkaris (devotees) walk hundreds of kilometres from across Maharashtra in a devotional procession known as the Wari, carrying the palanquins (palkhis) of revered saints like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar. The pilgrimage culminates at the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi.
Despite their demanding schedules and responsibilities, Mumbai’s dabbawalas have remained deeply committed to this spiritual tradition. Speaking about the significance of the pilgrimage, the Mumbai Dabbawala Association, said, “Every year, many of our members participate in the Wari. For us, it’s not just a tradition—it’s a spiritual journey that connects us with our roots and faith. Hence, we will not be operating our lunchbox services on July 7.”
The dabbawala service, known globally for its efficiency and time-tested delivery system, caters to thousands of Mumbaikars daily, especially office-goers who rely on home-cooked meals delivered to their workplaces. Their decision to pause operations reflects the strength of religious and cultural traditions that continue to influence modern urban life.
Mumbaikars are advised to make alternate arrangements for their meals on July 7, as normal services will resume the following day.
Ashadhi Ekadashi, one of the most important days in the Hindu calendar in Maharashtra, symbolises devotion, equality, and community spirit—values that the dabbawalas themselves embody through their dedication and unity.
