Latest news with #SantDnyaneshwarMaharaj


News18
15 hours ago
- News18
Pune Gears Up For Palkhi 2025: List Of Key Routes, Traffic Advisory Issued
Last Updated: Pune is preparing for the Palkhi processions on June 19 and 20 this year Thousands of devotees are expected to arrive for Pune's annual Palkhi processions of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj on June 19 and 20. In preparation, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued detailed safety and traffic guidelines. The advisory aims to manage the large crowds drawn by this deeply respected tradition observed by pilgrims from all over Maharashtra. As part of the advisory, 1,494 hoarding agencies within PCMC limits have been asked to check and strengthen their hoardings, especially those along the Palkhi routes, according to Times Now. Since large crowds are expected, officials have emphasised the importance of making sure these structures are safe. The PCMC has also warned that any agency found careless about safety may face strict action. The PCMC has reportedly shared a list of main routes under its limits that will be used for the Palkhi processions to help people stay informed. These routes include: Nigdi to Dapodi, Dehu to Alandi, and Dighi to Bopkhel. Heavy foot traffic is expected on these roads, and residents are advised to avoid travelling through these areas unless necessary during the procession days. Palkhi Procession 2025: Real-Time Updates The Pune Police will provide live updates on the Palkhi's movement through their official social media handles. For information on traffic conditions and alternative routes during the procession, people can visit: To manage the Palkhi processions smoothly, the PCMC, along with local police, is putting traffic diversions and extra security measures in place. Roads along the main routes will have closures, detours, and no-parking zones to avoid traffic jams and ensure safe passage for devotees. Concerned officials are also preparing crowd management steps, such as deploying marshals and setting up first-aid teams at important points. Residents and businesses along the procession paths are urged to support these efforts by staying updated on road changes and following safety guidelines to help the event run safely and efficiently. Palkhi 2025: Know More About It The Palkhi processions go beyond tradition—they are a powerful expression of faith and unity, reflecting Maharashtra's rich devotional culture. Pilgrims march together, singing devotional songs (abhangas) and carrying the symbolic footwear of saints Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar as a mark of respect and humility. As preparations continue, the PCMC has assured that the 2025 Palkhi will be both spiritually fulfilling and safely managed. Citizens are advised to check the official PCMC website for the latest updates on route maps, traffic changes, and emergency contacts.


Time of India
a day ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Faith marches through flooded paths as Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi sets off from Alandi
Pune: The Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi began its annual pilgrimage from Alandi to Pandharpur on Thursday under grey monsoon skies and a sea of umbrellas. Walking behind the palkhi bearing the silver paduka of the 13th Century saint, thousands of warkaris pushed ahead despite the weather's fury, chanting 'Jai Mauli' and 'Vithal Vitthal' in a steady, unwavering rhythm. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The departure ceremony of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi procession began after 9pm on Thursday following the completion of traditional rituals. Heavy rain in the region delayed the rituals. Officials from the Alandi administration confirmed that the departure was delayed compared to previous years due to the scheduled Nitya Parikrama held on Thursday evening. According to a temple official, the parikrama was conducted between 5pm and 7pm, followed by 'dhoop aarti', after which the palkhi set off. Vikas Dhage, former trustee of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Temple, said, "The rituals were delayed due to heavy rain, however, the showers did not dampen our spirits. In fact, the farmer community was happy and grateful for the rain, hoping that it would result in a good harvest this year." "The ritual where the palkhi is taken around the city for devotees to take darshan took much longer this year due to the heavy showers. Rain made it difficult, but the ritual was carried out with excitement and devotion like every year," said Arjun Medankar, a devotee. As per protocol introduced around four to five years ago to manage the crowds, 27 dindis (a group of devotees) that walk ahead of the palkhi and 20 that walk behind it, were allowed within the temple premises. A total of 350 registered dindis will accompany the palkhi on its journey to Pandharpur. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The palkhi procession will halt at Gandhi Wada outside the temple overnight, and resume its journey on Friday towards Pune city. Among those joining the procession from Pune are IT company employees who leave behind their laptops and offices to walk with the palkhi in the IT dindi. "Over 1,700 people are participating this year. We will reach Alankarpuram in Alandi by 5am on Friday to walk in the procession," said Rajesh Patil, the group's coordinator. On foot from Alandi, the group's route includes stops at a temple in Dighi and a gathering in Vishrantwadi, where a program of bhajan-kirtan and lunch has been planned. "From office boys and drivers to top executives, everyone walks together. It is a leveller. Many even bring their families for the procession," Patil said. Due to the rise in water levels in the Indrayani River following heavy rainfall, warkaris were unable to perform the traditional Teerth Snaan (holy bath) on Thursday as the administration and police had prohibited entry to the river. The Pimpri Chinchwad police had issued warnings to warkaris against going near the riverside as heavy rain in the region caused the Indrayani River to swell, submerging the Bhakti Sopan Bridge in Alandi. The police deployed lifeguards as a precaution. One devotee was rescued on Thursday morning by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) after being pulled into the current.


Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Pune Rural police to plant 10,000 saplings during palkhi
Pune: The Pune Rural police has decided to plant 10,000 saplings of local varieties along the palkhi route at police headquarters, police stations, open govt plots, palkhi halting spots, and other locations with the help of district forest officials. "We have already started the drive and planted 1,000 saplings at Pune and Baramati police headquarters," said Pune Rural SP Sandeep Singh Gill. "The decision was taken to plant saplings of neem, banyan and mango, among others under the state govt's Harit Wari (Green Wari) initiative," Gill said. "Constables and beat marshals, with the help of local villagers, will take care of the saplings," he said. Additional superintendents of police Ramesh Chopade and Ganesh Biradar distributed saplings to police stations across the district. On June 22, Pune Rural police will receive the palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj at Zendewadi near Dive Ghat and Uruli Kanchan on Solapur highway. "We have identified the spots to plant the saplings. Our teams, along with district forest officials, will plant saplings on govt lands and at villages where palkhis take an overnight halt," Gill said. Bandobast for palkhis Pune Rural police will provide a bandobast of two additional SPs, 10 deputy SPs, 35 inspectors, 136 sub/assistant inspectors, and 1,624 police constables, along with various companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) for six days. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo The police have urged people not to climb the hills at Dive Ghat to watch the palkhi movement due to ongoing road work in the ghat section. Liquor, meat shops shut The two Palkhis will proceed towards Pandharpur from the two different highways. The district administration and the police stated that liquor and meat shops on Pune-Saswad road and Pune-Solapur road will remain shut during the procession. The shops will be allowed to open as both palkhis progress further. Traffic diversions Heavy vehicles heading towards Pune from the Solapur highway have been diverted to the Pune-Nagar highway, while the vehicles heading towards Pune from Baramati have been diverted to the Pune-Satara highway. Vehicles heading towards Mumbai from Solapur have been diverted towards Ahilyanagar, from where they can reach Ale Phata on Nashik highway. GPS to help police divert traffic The Pune city police have installed GPS on palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj to monitor their live location and divert vehicular movement on the city roads accordingly. Motorists can plan their travel after tracking the live location of the palkhis on Pune: The Pune Rural police has decided to plant 10,000 saplings of local varieties along the palkhi route at police headquarters, police stations, open govt plots, palkhi halting spots, and other locations with the help of district forest officials. "We have already started the drive and planted 1,000 saplings at Pune and Baramati police headquarters," said Pune Rural SP Sandeep Singh Gill. "The decision was taken to plant saplings of neem, banyan and mango, among others under the state govt's Harit Wari (Green Wari) initiative," Gill said. "Constables and beat marshals, with the help of local villagers, will take care of the saplings," he said. Additional superintendents of police Ramesh Chopade and Ganesh Biradar distributed saplings to police stations across the district. On June 22, Pune Rural police will receive the palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj at Zendewadi near Dive Ghat and Uruli Kanchan on Solapur highway. "We have identified the spots to plant the saplings. Our teams, along with district forest officials, will plant saplings on govt lands and at villages where palkhis take an overnight halt," Gill said. Bandobast for palkhis Pune Rural police will provide a bandobast of two additional SPs, 10 deputy SPs, 35 inspectors, 136 sub/assistant inspectors, and 1,624 police constables, along with various companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) for six days. The police have urged people not to climb the hills at Dive Ghat to watch the palkhi movement due to ongoing road work in the ghat section. Liquor, meat shops shut The two Palkhis will proceed towards Pandharpur from the two different highways. The district administration and the police stated that liquor and meat shops on Pune-Saswad road and Pune-Solapur road will remain shut during the procession. The shops will be allowed to open as both palkhis progress further. Traffic diversions Heavy vehicles heading towards Pune from the Solapur highway have been diverted to the Pune-Nagar highway, while the vehicles heading towards Pune from Baramati have been diverted to the Pune-Satara highway. Vehicles heading towards Mumbai from Solapur have been diverted towards Ahilyanagar, from where they can reach Ale Phata on Nashik highway. GPS to help police divert traffic The Pune city police have installed GPS on palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj to monitor their live location and divert vehicular movement on the city roads accordingly. Motorists can plan their travel after tracking the live location of the palkhis on


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Pandharpur Wari Palkhi 2025: Dates, Route, Rituals and Spiritual Significance Revealed
Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi begins wari from Dehu to Pandharpur Every year, thousands of devotees from across Maharashtra in India and beyond embark on a spiritual journey which is unlike any other. Called the Pandharpur Wari, it is a centuries-old pilgrimage in honour of Lord Vitthal, who is a revered form of Lord Vishnu. This deeply spiritual tradition is not just a walk— it is an emotion for many devotees with a deep cultural and devotional meaning. The Wari begins from the towns of Dehu and Alandi, that are homes of two legendary saints— Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, respectively. The pilgrimage culminates in the sacred town of Pandharpur, on the auspicious day of Ashadhi Ekadashi; which falls on July 6 this year. What is Pandharpur Wari? Pandharpur Wari is a grand procession of faith, where Warkaris (i.e. devotees) walk for nearly 20 days, covering over 250 kilometres on foot. Along the way, they sing abhangas (devotional songs), perform kirtans, and immerse themselves in spiritual reflection. Here are more details about this unique celebration in Maharastra: Two prominent Palkhi (palanquin) processions lead the way: - Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi from Dehu - and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi from Alandi Each procession carries the padukas (or sacred sandals) of the saints, symbolising their eternal spiritual presence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi 2025 route and schedule for 2025 The Palkhi leaves from Dehu on June 18, 2025, and arrives in Pandharpur on July 5, a day before Ashadhi Ekadashi. Major Route Highlights: June 18: Departure from Dehu – ceremonial send-off June 20: Pune June 27: Akluj July 1–4: Final stretch begins, rest and spiritual preparation July 5: Grand entry into Pandharpur July 6: Ashadhi Ekadashi – the much-awaited darshan of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini Along the way, towns offer community meals, medical camps, devotional programs, and more— showcasing a beautiful blend of tradition and hospitality. Spiritual significance of Sant Tukaram Maharaj's Palkhi Sant Tukaram's teachings centered on bhakti (devotion), equality, and love for all beings. His abhangas (teachings) still echo across Maharashtra, inspiring people to live a life of humility and devotion, free from caste or social divisions. Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi 2025 route and schedule This Palkhi departs from Alandi on June 19, 2025, reaching Pandharpur on July 5, alongside Tukaram Maharaj's procession. Key Milestones: June 20: Pune – vibrant devotional celebrations June 24: Jejuri June 30: Natepute July 4: Wakhari – final halt before reaching Pandharpur Spiritual importance of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj's Palkhi Sant Dnyaneshwar, a 13th-century saint and philosopher, is known for his 'Dnyaneshwari', a Marathi commentary on the sacred Hindu text- the Bhagavad Gita. His legacy celebrates spiritual knowledge, self-realisation, and oneness with the divine. Walking with his padukas symbolises a seeker's journey toward wisdom and inner peace. The soul of Wari More than a religious event, Pandharpur Wari is a living embodiment of unity, devotion, and cultural pride. Rich and poor, young and old, men and women— all walk together, chanting "Vitthal Vitthal!" with unmatched energy. There's no distinction—only shared devotion, simplicity, and service. In an increasingly fast-paced world, Wari offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and reconnect— with faith, community, and oneself. Whether you walk a mile or watch from the sidelines, the spirit of Wari touches every heart it encounters. Why Arjun Was Chosen: The Untold Secret of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 3 One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
Pune Palkhi 2025: Check routes, traffic updates, safety guidelines and more
Palkhi 2025 Traffic Advisory: Thousands of devotees are heading to the annual Palkhi processions of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj on June 19 and 20, in Pune. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has released a detailed safety and traffic advisory. Large gatherings are expected, to ensure smooth and secure celebration for this revered tradition drawing pilgrims from all across Maharashtra. Palkhi processions: Safety guidelines A major focus of the advisory is directed at the 1,494 hoarding agencies operating within PCMC limits. Agencies with hoardings along the Palkhi routes have been instructed to immediately inspect and reinforce their structures. Officials emphasised the importance of structural integrity to avoid any kinds of accidents during the public gathering. The PCMC has warned of strict action against any agency found negligent in adhering to safety norms. Key Palkhi routes under PCMC jurisdiction To help residents plan, PCMC has shared the main routes expected to see heavy foot traffic: Nigdi to Dapodi Dehu to Alandi Dighi to Bopkhel Locals are advised to avoid non-essential travel on these routes during the procession days. Palkhi 2025: Real-time Palkhi tracking and updates Live updates on the Palkhi movement will be provided via Pune Police's official social media handles. Traffic diversions and alternate routes can be accessed at: Traffic and crowd management measures In collaboration with the police, PCMC will implement road closures, diversions, and no-parking zones along key procession routes. Enhanced security, crowd management personnel, and first-aid stations will also be deployed to manage the large gatherings. Residents and local businesses along the Palkhi routes are urged to cooperate with civic authorities, stay updated on traffic regulations, and follow safety guidelines to ensure smooth proceedings. A Journey of devotion and unity The Palkhi is more than a procession; it's a profound spiritual journey symbolising Maharashtra's devotional legacy. Devotees walk together in harmony, singing abhangas and carrying the symbolic padukas (footwear) of the saints as an expression of faith and humility. With all preparations underway, PCMC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the 2025 Palkhi processions are not only spiritually uplifting but also secure and well-organised for everyone involved. More than 719 sanitation points, several medical aid centers, fire safety units, BDDS squads, and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been stationed across Pune. Drones, CCTV surveillance, and a joint control command center are in operation to monitor crowd movement and manage emergencies efficiently.