Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Departs Alandi for Pune, Launching 2025 Pandharpur Wari
Alandi, 19th June 2025: The spiritual heart of Maharashtra beat stronger today as the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi set out from Alandi, marking the start of its revered journey to Pandharpur for Ashadhi Wari 2025. As evening fell, thousands of Warkaris, devotees of Lord Vitthal, gathered in Alandi, their chants and abhangas (devotional songs) filling the air with devotion and anticipation.
This year’s Palkhi procession began at 9.30 PM, following age-old rituals and a ceremonial send-off at the samadhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar. The sacred padukas of Sant Dnyaneshwar are carried at the heart of the procession, symbolizing his eternal spiritual presence. The first major halt will be in Pune, where the Palkhi will reach on tomorrow for an overnight stay, before continuing through Saswad, Jejuri, Taradgaon, and several other towns and villages.
The journey covers over 250 kilometers and will last about 17 days, with the Palkhi scheduled to reach Pandharpur on 5th July. The culmination will be the Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations on 6th July, when lakhs of devotees from across Maharashtra gather for darshan of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini.
Despite the challenges of the monsoon and the sheer scale of the event, the spirit of the Warkaris remains unshaken. As the Palkhi leaves Alandi, the entire region is transformed by devotion, music, and the timeless message of Sant Dnyaneshwar: love, humility, and unwavering faith in Lord Vitthal.
