Pune: Pimpri-Chinchwad Bids Devotional Farewell To Sant Tukaram Maharaj And Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s Palkhi Ceremony
Sumit Singh
Pimpri, 12th June 2023: Pimpri-Chinchwad witnessed a heartfelt farewell as devotees gathered to participate in the Palkhi ceremony of Jagadguru Shree Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Shree Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. Both palanquins have entered the limits of the Pune Municipal Corporation, fostering an atmosphere of devotion and spirituality.
The Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Sohla took place at the Vitthal temple in Akurdi. In the early hours of the morning, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, accompanied by his wife Isha Singh, reverentially worshipped the feet of Sant Tukaram Maharaj.
The auspicious occasion witnessed the presence of Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale, Jitendra Wagh, Deputy Commissioner Ravikiran Ghodke, Disaster Management Officer Omprakash Bahiwal, Zonal Officers Suchita Pansare, Sheetal Wakade, Amit Pandit, along with Gopal Kute from Vitthal Rukmini Mandir Devasthan and officials from Dehu Sansthan. Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh also participated in the concluding Aarti ceremony.
Following the rituals, the palanquin procession of Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj commenced from Khandobamal Chowk in Akurdi, making its way through Finolex Chowk to the Vitthal Temple in Kharalwadi. The procession reached the Vitthal temple in Kharalwadi around seven o’clock in the morning. Later, at around nine in the morning, the palanquin procession paused at Dapodi for a midday rest. By two in the afternoon, the procession had reached the Pune city limits.
On the Palkhi route between Akurdi and Dapodi, the PCMC had established restrooms at Nashik Phata, Phugewadi, and Bhosari Phata on Alandi Road. These rest areas provided medical facilities, drinking water systems, health check-ups, and separate rooms for lactating mothers. Additionally, a team of 10 officers and staff members were assigned every 200 meters along the Palkhi route, ensuring the safety and convenience of the devotees. A total of 12 such teams were deployed along the Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Marg.
The Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi ceremony arrived at Magazine Chowk in Dighi around 9 am, where it received a warm welcome from the Municipal Corporation. MP Shrirang Barane graced the occasion with his presence, and Commissioner Shekhar Singh even had the opportunity to participate by driving the palanquin chariot for a distance. The municipality took the initiative to create awareness among the public about cleanliness and tree planting.
To promote environmental conservation, indigenous tree seeds were distributed to the workers. At Bhosari Phata, exquisite flower decorations featuring Vitthal Rukmini and Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj became a picturesque backdrop for citizens and residents, who couldn’t resist capturing the moment with selfies. Around noon, the entire palkhi procession made its way from Pimpri-Chinchwad city limits to Pune city limits. A team of 150 sweepers was assigned to each palanquin ceremony, diligently ensuring that the palkhi route remained free of any waste or garbage.
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