Pune Welcomes Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhis Amid Devotional Fervour
Pune, 9th July 2026: Pune witnessed an outpouring of devotion on Thursday as the revered palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj entered the city amid chants of “Dnyanoba-Tukaram,” the rhythmic beats of taal and mridang, and light monsoon showers.
As part of the ‘Pune Pratham–Sevawari 2026’ initiative, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) accorded a traditional welcome to both palkhis. Mayor Manjusha Nagpure performed the ceremonial aukshan of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s palkhi at Kalas and Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s palkhi at Bopodi before offering prayers to the sacred padukas.
The Mayor also interacted with Warkaris and joined women devotees in performing the traditional phugdi dance, highlighting the values of equality, devotion, and selfless service that form the essence of the Ashadhi Wari.
Deputy Mayor Parshuram Wadekar, Leader of the Opposition Adv. Nilesh Nikam, NCP group leader Sopan Chavan, party leader Nitin Gavade, Municipal Commissioner Navalkishore Ram, public representatives, civic officials, and a large number of Warkaris and citizens were present during the welcome ceremony.
PMC said it had made extensive arrangements along the palkhi route and halt locations, including sanitation services, drinking water, temporary toilets, medical facilities, lighting, fire safety measures, emergency response teams, and control rooms to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for devotees.
Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Nagpure said the ‘Pune Pratham–Sevawari 2026’ initiative aims to spread the timeless message of equality, fraternity, and humanity preached by the saints to a wider audience.
Meanwhile, a collective online recitation of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s Pasaydan has been scheduled for July 10 at 9 pm to promote its message of universal brotherhood across the world. The programme will be streamed live on the Pune Pratham website.
