As Palkhi processions enter Pune, streets turn sanctuaries of devotion, hospitality
Written by Siddhi Patil,
Pune witnessed a timeless spectacle of faith and surrender on Friday, as lakhs of Warkaris walk into the city from different corners of Maharashtra, lost in the rhythm of 'Mauli Mauli!' and completely immersed in devotion to Lord Vitthal.
Their arrival is not just a procession, but a moving pilgrimage of love, discipline, and surrender that transforms the city into a living, breathing prayer. Rain or shine, food or no food, bed or bare ground nothing stops the Warkari, who trusts completely in the path and in Vitthal's grace.
'We don't worry about anything. Vitthal takes care of us,' says Bhaskar Maharaj Jadhav, a 74-year-old Warkari from Jalgaon, his voice cracking with age but steady with faith. He has walked in the Wari for over 25 years. 'We are not homeless. The sky is our roof, and this road is our temple.'
As they enter Pune, the city greets them not as guests but as returning family. From Dehu and Alandi, from Nashik to Nanded, processions carry the padukas (symbolic sandals) of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, accompanied by dhols, veenas, chants, and tears.
But while the Warkaris bring their unshakable faith, Punekars bring their unmatched hospitality.
At a small pandal near Dagduseth Temple, Geeta, a housewife from Dhayari, stirs a massive pot of khichdi with her daughter and son.
'We come every year as a family to serve food to Mauli's people,' she says, her face glowing with pride. 'This is our offering. We don't have much, but we cook with love. No one should go hungry.'
She isn't alone. Across the city, from Sinhagad Road to Shivajinagar, locals open their homes, shops, and hearts offering bananas, tea, medicines, even slippers to the pilgrims who have walked for days.
For some, this year's Wari is their first. Shraddha and Prathamesh, young siblings from Solapur, are here to experience the Wari with their grandparents. 'We always saw it on TV, but this year we decided to walk. We wanted to feel it, live it, and understand what draws millions to Vitthal.'
There is a different energy in the air. Alandi Palkhi, expected to arrive this evening, is being awaited with bated breath. Streets are being swept, rangolis drawn, and bhajans echo through the night.
'We keep looking at the road, waiting for the first dhol to hit,' says Sudarshan, a teenager from Fergusson College Road, who bunked lectures just to see the procession. 'It gives me goosebumps. It's not just tradition, it's emotion.'
In a world obsessed with speed, the Warkari walk reminds us of stillness. In a time of consumption, they teach us contentment. In an age of anxiety, their surrender is a revolution.
As night falls and Pune fills with the scent of tulsi, wet soil, and steaming bhakris, one truth becomes clear,when the Warkaris come, they bring Vitthal with them.
Sairam Kamble, a 70-year-old farmer from Washim, has been part of the procession for over a decade. 'I am an old man now. I have a wife who is happy and healthy, children who are settled in their lives, and a flourishing farm. A decade ago, I decided to take the spiritual path and visit my Mauli every year,' he says with quiet contentment.
Ten-year-old Kartik, also from Washim, joins the journey with his family. 'I come here because it's fun, and all my friends and family are with me. We walked from Washim to Pune and now will walk till Pandharpur. We return by bus, so I don't miss school exams,' he says cheerfully.
Forty-year-old Sheela Jagdale is a widow and also a daily wage worker. She says, 'After my husband died, I had nothing left to look forward to. I joined the Wari with others from my village, and in this crowd, I found hope again. People hear my story and help without expecting anything in return. That's what spirituality does,'
Rohini Patil, a 50-year-old entrepreneur from Pune, walks with the Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi every year from Pune to Saswad. 'I began walking here 5 years ago out of a curiosity that I had as a child. But over the years, I discovered the beauty of humanity here. No one asks about your caste, language, or status. We all walk with one identity: as devotees of Mauli. Even though my health isn't perfect, I keep walking for the kindness and the spiritual energy that fills the air,' she says.
In an initiative blending spirituality with healthcare, a free health check-up camp under the Arogyawari programme was inaugurated on Friday at Ranade Institute, Pune. This initiative, jointly organised by Samarth Yuva Foundation and the Guardian Minister of Sangli District, Namdar Chandrakant (Dada) Patil, was dedicated to providing essential medical care to Warkari Mata Maulis walking in the annual Pandharpur Wari.
The event was inaugurated at the auspicious hands of Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Maharashtra State.
He emphasised the spiritual and social importance of this service, stating, 'Serving the Warkari community is akin to receiving blessings from the divine. Women go through many life stages and it's crucial to care for their health with priority.'
Rajesh Pandey, president of Samarth Yuva Foundation, says that 'last year, the Arogyawari mobile healthcare bus served for 18 days and helped nearly 1,29,000 pilgrims.' He reaffirms the foundation's commitment to health and social welfare, especially for women walking the arduous journey from Alandi and Dehu to Pandharpur.
Health services at the Aarogyawari include breast and oral cancer screening, blood pressure and sugar testing, cholesterol check, eye and dental examinations, blood tests and screening of blood components and general health check-ups.
Special mention was made by Bageshree Manthalkar, independent director, Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited, who stated that a tie-up with Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital ensures that pilgrims found with health issues during screening can access further treatment without delay.
Sanjay Kulkarni also urged women not to ignore health issues due to fear or hesitation, highlighting the importance of timely medical attention.
'We walk for devotion, but this health camp reminds us that our bodies, too, need care. It's the first time I've done a check-up in years, I feel seen and cared for,' said Vimalbai Shinde, a 72-year-old Warkari from Beed district, with tears of gratitude in her eyes.
The initiative under the motto 'Sashakt Yuva, Samarth Bharat' once again proves that meaningful social service can walk hand-in-hand with religious devotion, offering care, compassion, and commitment to those who need it the most.
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Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Indian Express
As Palkhi processions enter Pune, streets turn sanctuaries of devotion, hospitality
Written by Siddhi Patil, Pune witnessed a timeless spectacle of faith and surrender on Friday, as lakhs of Warkaris walk into the city from different corners of Maharashtra, lost in the rhythm of 'Mauli Mauli!' and completely immersed in devotion to Lord Vitthal. Their arrival is not just a procession, but a moving pilgrimage of love, discipline, and surrender that transforms the city into a living, breathing prayer. Rain or shine, food or no food, bed or bare ground nothing stops the Warkari, who trusts completely in the path and in Vitthal's grace. 'We don't worry about anything. Vitthal takes care of us,' says Bhaskar Maharaj Jadhav, a 74-year-old Warkari from Jalgaon, his voice cracking with age but steady with faith. He has walked in the Wari for over 25 years. 'We are not homeless. The sky is our roof, and this road is our temple.' As they enter Pune, the city greets them not as guests but as returning family. From Dehu and Alandi, from Nashik to Nanded, processions carry the padukas (symbolic sandals) of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, accompanied by dhols, veenas, chants, and tears. But while the Warkaris bring their unshakable faith, Punekars bring their unmatched hospitality. At a small pandal near Dagduseth Temple, Geeta, a housewife from Dhayari, stirs a massive pot of khichdi with her daughter and son. 'We come every year as a family to serve food to Mauli's people,' she says, her face glowing with pride. 'This is our offering. We don't have much, but we cook with love. No one should go hungry.' She isn't alone. Across the city, from Sinhagad Road to Shivajinagar, locals open their homes, shops, and hearts offering bananas, tea, medicines, even slippers to the pilgrims who have walked for days. For some, this year's Wari is their first. Shraddha and Prathamesh, young siblings from Solapur, are here to experience the Wari with their grandparents. 'We always saw it on TV, but this year we decided to walk. We wanted to feel it, live it, and understand what draws millions to Vitthal.' There is a different energy in the air. Alandi Palkhi, expected to arrive this evening, is being awaited with bated breath. Streets are being swept, rangolis drawn, and bhajans echo through the night. 'We keep looking at the road, waiting for the first dhol to hit,' says Sudarshan, a teenager from Fergusson College Road, who bunked lectures just to see the procession. 'It gives me goosebumps. It's not just tradition, it's emotion.' In a world obsessed with speed, the Warkari walk reminds us of stillness. In a time of consumption, they teach us contentment. In an age of anxiety, their surrender is a revolution. As night falls and Pune fills with the scent of tulsi, wet soil, and steaming bhakris, one truth becomes clear,when the Warkaris come, they bring Vitthal with them. Sairam Kamble, a 70-year-old farmer from Washim, has been part of the procession for over a decade. 'I am an old man now. I have a wife who is happy and healthy, children who are settled in their lives, and a flourishing farm. A decade ago, I decided to take the spiritual path and visit my Mauli every year,' he says with quiet contentment. Ten-year-old Kartik, also from Washim, joins the journey with his family. 'I come here because it's fun, and all my friends and family are with me. We walked from Washim to Pune and now will walk till Pandharpur. We return by bus, so I don't miss school exams,' he says cheerfully. Forty-year-old Sheela Jagdale is a widow and also a daily wage worker. She says, 'After my husband died, I had nothing left to look forward to. I joined the Wari with others from my village, and in this crowd, I found hope again. People hear my story and help without expecting anything in return. That's what spirituality does,' Rohini Patil, a 50-year-old entrepreneur from Pune, walks with the Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi every year from Pune to Saswad. 'I began walking here 5 years ago out of a curiosity that I had as a child. But over the years, I discovered the beauty of humanity here. No one asks about your caste, language, or status. We all walk with one identity: as devotees of Mauli. Even though my health isn't perfect, I keep walking for the kindness and the spiritual energy that fills the air,' she says. In an initiative blending spirituality with healthcare, a free health check-up camp under the Arogyawari programme was inaugurated on Friday at Ranade Institute, Pune. This initiative, jointly organised by Samarth Yuva Foundation and the Guardian Minister of Sangli District, Namdar Chandrakant (Dada) Patil, was dedicated to providing essential medical care to Warkari Mata Maulis walking in the annual Pandharpur Wari. The event was inaugurated at the auspicious hands of Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Maharashtra State. He emphasised the spiritual and social importance of this service, stating, 'Serving the Warkari community is akin to receiving blessings from the divine. Women go through many life stages and it's crucial to care for their health with priority.' Rajesh Pandey, president of Samarth Yuva Foundation, says that 'last year, the Arogyawari mobile healthcare bus served for 18 days and helped nearly 1,29,000 pilgrims.' He reaffirms the foundation's commitment to health and social welfare, especially for women walking the arduous journey from Alandi and Dehu to Pandharpur. Health services at the Aarogyawari include breast and oral cancer screening, blood pressure and sugar testing, cholesterol check, eye and dental examinations, blood tests and screening of blood components and general health check-ups. Special mention was made by Bageshree Manthalkar, independent director, Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited, who stated that a tie-up with Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital ensures that pilgrims found with health issues during screening can access further treatment without delay. Sanjay Kulkarni also urged women not to ignore health issues due to fear or hesitation, highlighting the importance of timely medical attention. 'We walk for devotion, but this health camp reminds us that our bodies, too, need care. It's the first time I've done a check-up in years, I feel seen and cared for,' said Vimalbai Shinde, a 72-year-old Warkari from Beed district, with tears of gratitude in her eyes. The initiative under the motto 'Sashakt Yuva, Samarth Bharat' once again proves that meaningful social service can walk hand-in-hand with religious devotion, offering care, compassion, and commitment to those who need it the most.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
List of traffic closures, diversions as Palkhi processions to enter Pune tomorrow
With the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi processions set to enter Pune city limits on June 20, the city braces for one of its largest spiritual events of the year. The Pune Traffic Police, in collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation and other departments, have chalked out an elaborate traffic and parking management plan to ensure smooth passage for lakhs of Warkaris walking towards Pandharpur for Ashadhi Ekadashi on July 7. The processions carry the Paduka (sacred footwear) of the revered saints and are central to Maharashtra's Warkari tradition. While the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi started from Dehu, Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi commenced its journey from Alandi. Officials said a massive operation involving multiple agencies has been activated, not just to manage the pilgrim crowd, but ensure emergency services, civic amenities and urban traffic continue to function with minimal disruption. Traffic closures and diversions (June 20–23) These changes will be effective from June 20, starting at 2:00 am, and will remain until each respective Palkhi exits the specified zones: For the arrival of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Closed route: Kalas Phata to Bopkhel Phata Alternate: Via Dhanori internal roads. Closed route: Mental Hospital Corner to Alandi Junction Alternate: Jail Road and Airport Road. Closed route: Sadalbaba Chowk to Patil Estate Alternate: Via Parnakuti Chowk to Garrison Engineer Square. For the arrival of Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Closed route: Bopodi Chowk to Khadki Bazar Alternate: Via Church Chowk. Closed route: Poultry Farm Chowk Alternate: Railway Police HQ – Aundh Road – Bremen Chowk. Closed Route: Old Mumbai Pune Road (towards Pune) till Engineering College Chowk Alternate: Bhau Patil Road – Aundh Road – Bremen Chowk. Closed route: RTO to Engineering College Chowk Alternate: Shahir Amar Shaikh Chowk – Kumbhar Ves – Jehangir Chowk – Ambedkar Setu. Joint procession route (From June 22, 12 pm) Once both Palkhis converge near Engineering College Chowk, the following roads will be affected: Closed route: Range Hill Chowk to Sancheti Chowk Alternate: Khadki Underpass – Poultry Farm Chowk. Closed route: Khandoji Baba Chowk to Veer Chaphekar Chowk Alternate: Karve Road – Senapati Bapat Road. Closed route: Gadgil Statue to SG Barve Chowk Alternate: Kumbhar Ves – RTO Chowk. Closed route: Deccan Traffic Division to Thopte Path Chowk Alternate: Ghole Road – Apte Road. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed on major Palkhi routes during this period. Signboards indicating diversions have been installed at all entry points, including: Diversion points: Vishrantwadi, Shivajinagar, Bopodi, and Swargate Approach and exit points: Kharadi Bypass, Hadapsar, Phursungi, and Katraj The administration has urged all logistics operators and heavy vehicle drivers to strictly follow route instructions to avoid fines or congestion. Over 719 sanitation points, multiple medical aid centers, fire safety teams, BDDS squads, and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed across Pune. Drones, CCTV cameras, and a joint control command center have been activated to oversee crowd movements and emergency coordination.
Indian Express
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- Indian Express
A father-son legacy of Padma honors and pioneering scientific research
Written by Siddhi Patil, Dr Chetan Eknath Chitnis, a globally renowned Indian scientist, has dedicated his life to combating malaria, a persistent global health challenge claiming countless lives annually. His groundbreaking work in malaria vaccine development has earned him the prestigious Padma Shri this year, alongside awards like the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award and the Infosys Prize. Remarkably, Dr. Chitnis shares a rare distinction with his father, Eknath Vasant Chitnis, a Padma Bhushan recipient (1985) and a founding member of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This rare father-son duo's Padma honors reflect a deep family legacy of scientific excellence, with both making transformative contributions to their respective fields. Dr. Chitnis's journey in medical research is deeply rooted in his upbringing. His father, a distinguished space scientist and former director of ISRO's Space Application Centre, instilled a passion for dedicated work. 'My father taught me that true commitment means loving what you do, no matter the hours,' Dr. Chitnis recalls. While he initially pursued physics, inspired by his father's rigor, it was his mother, a biochemist focused on cancer research, who steered him toward biology. This pivot led him to lead the Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines Unit at Institut Pasteur in Paris, where he drives innovative vaccine research to curb malaria's devastating impact. Pune holds a special place in Dr. Chitnis's heart. Childhood summers spent at his grandparents' home in Deccan Gymkhana, exploring nearby hills with cousins, evoke memories of a serene, green Pune. His parents' decision to settle in the city post-retirement deepened his connection. Today, as Pune evolves into a bustling hub of innovation, Dr. Chitnis is eager to engage with its academic and research communities, blending personal nostalgia with professional aspirations. From IIT Bombay to UC Berkeley, the National Institutes of Health, and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Delhi, Dr. Chitnis's career spans continents. His work at ICGEB, supported by robust government backing, laid the foundation for his current efforts in Paris. A significant breakthrough came during the COVID-19 pandemic when delayed vaccine trials at Oxford revealed that a 14-month gap between doses reduced malaria parasite growth—an unexpected finding inspired by similar COVID-19 vaccine insights. This discovery, coupled with advancements in mRNA technology, fuels his cautious optimism for future malaria solutions. The Padma Shri holds deep significance for Dr. Chitnis. 'Being recognised by my homeland, even after a decade abroad, is humbling,' he says. He views the award as a tribute to his team's collective efforts and a call to continue serving society.
