Pune: Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Enters Pimpri-Chinchwad as Lord Vitthala Chants Fill Twin Cities
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 19th June 2025: The revered Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi procession arrived in the industrial city of Pimpri-Chinchwad on Thursday evening, greeted by the rhythmic sounds of cymbals and drums and the enthusiastic chants of “Dnyanoba Mauli Tukaram” and Lord Vitthala. The arrival created an atmosphere of devotion across the city, with thousands of Warkaris and devotees lining the streets to witness the sacred event.
After departing for Pandharpur on Wednesday, the Palkhi first halted at Inamdar Wada in Dehu following the traditional orbiting of the main temple. On Thursday morning, an official puja was performed before the procession set out towards Pimpri-Chinchwad. Along the route, devotional songs and aarti were held at various places, drawing large crowd.
By 5 PM, the Palkhi reached Bhakti-Shakti Chowk in Nigdi, where unprecedented enthusiasm was witnessed among the devotees, marking its official entry into Pimpri-Chinchwad city. Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge led the procession, while the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) extended a warm welcome. The civic body distributed native plant seeds, medical first aid kits, cloth bags, and contact information booklets to dindi leaders, and honored the procession with garlands and coconuts.
The Palkhi is stationed at the Vitthal Temple in Akurdi for the night and will proceed towards Pune at dawn on Friday. Senior municipal officials, including PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh and other dignitaries, were present to oversee the arrangements and ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. The event transformed the city into a vibrant center of devotion, as devotees gathered in large numbers to seek blessings and participate in this centuries-old tradition.
