Pune: New Modern Pure Silver Chariot for Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli’s Palkhi Procession

Pune, 1st July 2026: A new pure silver chariot, blending tradition with modern technology, has been crafted for this year’s Ashadhi Palkhi procession of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. The chariot has been designed and created by Krishna Rajaram Ashtekar Jewellers and will join the Palkhi departure ceremony on July 8. While preserving its traditional grandeur, the makers have successfully reduced the chariot’s weight, making it significantly easier for the bullocks to pull it during this year’s procession.

Sharing details about the project, Vipul Ashtekar said that the biggest challenge was to reduce the weight of the chariot without compromising its strength. To achieve this, KRA Jewellers employed advanced silver electroplating technology along with epoxy polyester resin and a carbon fibre base. This innovative combination has made the chariot as strong as iron while keeping it as lightweight as aluminium. The total weight of the newly crafted chariot is approximately 2.8 tonnes.

The chariot also has the sacred symbols associated with the Alandi Devasthan. The front section features the idol of Mauli along with intricately crafted figures of Surya (the Sun God), Garuda, Hanuman, and Jay-Vijay. The exquisite traditional carvings adorning the chariot have been created by renowned Maharashtra-based sculptor Vivek Khatavkar, lending it an elegant appearance while remaining true to religious traditions.

To effectively monitor the large number of devotees surrounding the chariot and enhance its security, the chariot has been equipped with 10 CCTV cameras and GPS technology. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering, this pure silver chariot is expected to be one of the major attractions of this year’s Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Ashadhi Palkhi procession.