Pune Prepares for Arrival of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram Palkhis on July 9

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 15th June 2026: With the palanquins of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj scheduled to arrive in Pune on July 9, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has begun extensive preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual Wari pilgrimage.

As part of these preparations, PMC organised a joint inspection of the Palkhi routes to review infrastructure, civic amenities, and safety measures along the procession path.

The inspection was attended by Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Mayor Manjusha Deepak Nagpure, Deputy Mayor Parshuram Wadekar, Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale, MLA Hemant Rasane, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajit Nair, and several elected representatives and senior civic officials.

During the inspection, officials reviewed preparedness across the Yerawada-Kalas-Dhanori, Aundh-Baner, Bhawani Peth, and Hadapsar regional offices. Discussions focused on disaster management planning, road repairs, removal of encroachments, safety at halting points, water supply, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, and the maintenance of stormwater drains.

PMC officials issued instructions to ensure that all arrangements are completed well before the arrival of the Palkhis.

The Sewerage Department has been directed to clean the culvert over the stream at Mhaske Vasti in Kalas and increase the depth of drains where necessary. Officials have also been instructed to inspect all utility chambers along the Palkhi route, install iron grilles where required, and undertake urgent repairs to stormwater pipelines.

Regional offices have been directed to ensure regular removal of garbage from stormwater chambers and maintain round-the-clock cleanliness along the route to safeguard the health of Warkaris.

The Solid Waste Management Department has been instructed to provide adequate sanitation facilities, while the Electrical Department has been directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply and sufficient street lighting throughout the Palkhi route.

Authorities have also been asked to remove abandoned vehicles and debris that could obstruct the movement of devotees.

PMC will set up rest areas at multiple locations for Warkaris, equipped with clean drinking water, mobile toilets, and emergency medical units. Mobile health clinics will also be deployed to provide medical assistance along the route.

The Traffic Police have been instructed to ensure smooth vehicular movement and prevent disruptions to the Palkhi processions.

The Road Department has been directed to repair damaged roads and footpaths, clean boundary walls along the route, and prune tree branches that may obstruct the procession.

Officials have also been asked to make adequate crowd management arrangements, including barricading and designated viewing areas at halting points to facilitate orderly darshan. Fire safety measures will be implemented at locations where food and prasad are distributed.

The Encroachment Department and multi-purpose squads have been directed to remove roadside stalls and illegal encroachments that may hinder traffic or the movement of the Palkhis.

The Water Supply Department will ensure uninterrupted water supply along the Palkhi route, in all peth areas, and at designated halting points for the Palkhis and dindis. A 24-hour maintenance and repair team will remain on standby throughout the event.

Representatives of the Palkhi institutions also requested the provision of mobile toilets and drinking water facilities at key locations, including Sancheti Chowk, Vishrantwadi Chowk, Fergusson College Road, and Alka Talkies Chowk.

PMC has further directed officials to maintain cleanliness at locations where social organisations provide meals and refreshments to Warkaris by deploying adequate sanitation workers and ensuring the availability of safe drinking water.

Public toilets near halting points will be repaired and cleaned, while additional mobile toilets will be installed at various locations. PMC schools hosting dindis during overnight stays will be equipped with adequate water supply and sanitation facilities.

The Health Department has been instructed to undertake preventive spraying along the Palkhi route and in schools before the arrival of the processions. The Solid Waste Management Department will oversee cleanliness operations, deploy mobile toilets, and ensure public sanitation facilities remain clean and functional throughout the pilgrimage.