57 ‘Hirkani Rooms’ Set Up Across Pune District to Support Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers During Palkhi Procession

Pune, 9th July 2026: To ensure the comfort and well-being of pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children participating in the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi processions, the Pune Zilla Parishad has established 57 ‘Hirkani Rooms’ across the district.

The initiative has been undertaken by the Women and Child Development Department in view of the annual Ashadhi Wari. Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the department, Anand Khandagale, said the special facilities have been set up to provide a safe and comfortable space for mothers and infants during the pilgrimage.

To manage the Hirkani Rooms, the administration has deployed seven Child Development Project Officers, 57 Anganwadi Supervisors, and 198 Anganwadi Workers.

According to officials, the Hirkani Rooms are equipped with a range of facilities for children up to the age of two years and their mothers. These include nutritious food items such as rajgira laddoos, peanut and puffed rice laddoos, roasted gram, fruits, biscuits, ORS, and Glucon-D. Jars for storing food and disposable paper plates have also been provided.

The centres also feature toys, including bats and balls, rattles, dolls, large balls, and other play items to keep young children engaged.

For pregnant women and nursing mothers, the rooms are equipped with beds, mattresses, bed sheets, pillows, pillow covers, privacy curtains, napkins, first-aid kits, drinking water jars with glasses, and sanitary pads, creating a comfortable and hygienic environment.

Khandagale appealed to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and families travelling with infants during the Palkhi procession to make use of the Hirkani Rooms and avail themselves of the facilities provided by the district administration.