Pune: Lack of Space, Parking and Facilities May Shift Dnyaneshwar Palkhi Halt from Bhavani Peth

Alandi, 30th March 2026: The management of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession is considering shifting the traditional two-day halt in Pune from the Palakhi Vitthoba Temple in Bhavani Peth to an alternative location due to several logistical challenges faced by devotees.

The move comes in view of inadequate space for accommodation, inconvenience in darshan arrangements, lack of parking facilities for devotees’ vehicles, insufficient toilets, shortage of drinking water, narrow roads, and recurring traffic congestion in the area.

According to Advocate Rajendra Umap, chief of the Palkhi Sohala committee of the Alandi Devasthan, the issue was discussed during a meeting held in Pandharpur on Saturday (March 28) between representatives of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Sohala Dindi Samaj Sanghatana and the Alandi Devasthan. A final decision on selecting an alternative venue for the two-day halt in Pune will be announced on April 13.

Umap said the Dindi Samaj Sanghatana raised several concerns regarding the arrangements at the current halt location in Bhavani Peth during the meeting. Every year, the palkhi procession halts for two days at the Palakhi Vitthoba Temple in Pune. However, the growing number of devotees visiting for darshan results in long queues, often forcing devotees to stand in the rain. The site also faces a shortage of basic facilities such as toilets and drinking water.

He added that the available space at the temple premises is insufficient compared to the scale of the gathering. The lack of designated parking for devotees’ vehicles also leads to traffic congestion in the surrounding area.

The Alandi Devasthan had reportedly informed the concerned authorities over the past three years about the need to improve facilities at the site. Despite these efforts, the Devasthan is now exploring alternative arrangements in consultation with stakeholders.

Umap clarified that if the decision is taken not to halt at the Palakhi Vitthoba Temple during the onward journey from Alandi to Pandharpur, the site may still be considered as a halt during the return journey. He emphasized that the intention is not to hurt anyone’s sentiments but to prioritise the convenience and safety of the thousands of warkaris who walk along with the palkhi.

During the meeting in Pandharpur, the Dindi Samaj Sanghatana passed a resolution regarding the issue, and the Alandi Devasthan has sought a copy of the resolution for further consideration. While there may be some dissatisfaction over shifting the halt location in Pune, Umap said the welfare of the warkaris and the larger public interest remain the top priority.

The Devasthan is currently exploring several alternative venues in Pune, including large open spaces such as school and college grounds, Sanas Ground near SP College, the Race Course ground, and Nehru Stadium.
Officials said that identifying an alternative location will require coordination with the revenue and police departments to ensure adequate arrangements for security, crowd management, and basic facilities.

Umap also noted that if a large number of devotees are to be accommodated at a single location, arrangements similar to the German hangar-style temporary structures set up along the palkhi route last year could be considered to provide shelter and organised darshan facilities.
The Devasthan said all options are being carefully examined, and the best possible solution will be finalised through consensus before the announcement next month.