Pune: Devotional Fervor Grips Maharashtra as Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhis Prepare for Ashadhi Wari
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Dehu/Alandi, 17th June 2025: A wave of spiritual enthusiasm has swept across Maharashtra as thousands of devotees converge on the sacred towns of Dehu and Alandi for the annual Ashadhi Wari. The much-anticipated Palkhi processions of Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Shrestha Dnyaneshwar Maharaj are set to embark on their pilgrimage to Pandharpur, bringing with them an atmosphere charged with devotion and tradition.
The Palkhi of Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj will commence its journey tomorrow, Wednesday, 18th June, from Dehu Gaon. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are expected to grace the departure ceremony, underscoring the significance of the event.
Following suit, the Palkhi of Sant Shrestha Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, affectionately known as Mauli, will depart the day after tomorrow, Thursday, 19th June, from Alandi.
Warkaris, carrying the revered banners of Bhagwat Dharma on their shoulders and women adorned with Vrindavan on their heads, have been steadily streaming into Alandi and Dehu from all corners of Maharashtra. The roads leading to these holy sites are bustling with pilgrims, all eager to join the sacred march alongside “Dnyanoba” and “Tukoba.”
The local administration has made extensive arrangements to accommodate the vast influx of Warkaris and devotees. Security has been significantly beefed up by the police, while temple authorities are meticulously preparing for a variety of religious programs associated with the departure ceremonies.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Departure Details:
After its departure from Dehu on 18th June, Tukoba’s Palkhi will make its overnight stay at Inamdar Wada in Dehu on the same day. This year marks the 340th Palkhi ceremony of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj. The departure ceremony will begin early in the morning on 18th June, with the main departure ceremony featuring prominent dignitaries scheduled for 2:30 PM.
Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Departure Details:
On 19th June, the Mauli Palkhi will set off for Pandharpur from Alandi. Due to the departure ceremony falling on a Thursday this year, a traditional temple pradakshina and aarti of the Mauli Palkhi are customary before departure. Consequently, the Palkhi’s official departure will be at 8:00 PM. On Thursday, the Palkhi will have its overnight halt at Gandhi Wada in Alandi.
