Latest news with #SantDnyaneshwarMaharajPalkhi
Indian Express
13 hours ago
- Indian Express
Palkhi procession: Entry on top side of Pune's Dive Ghat banned on June 22
As the annual Palkhi processions are set to enter Pune city limits on Friday, June 20, the city police have banned the entry of people and Warkaris, the devotees of Lord Vittal, on the top side of Dive Ghat Mountain on June 22, to prevent any accidents. Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma on Thursday issued the order as heavy rain is expected in the region when the Palkhi processions would pass through Dive Ghat in Pune. The restriction will be in place from 12 am to 12 pm on June 22, it said. Lakhs of Warkaris will accompany the traditional Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession that will pass through the Pune-Solapur Road from Bhairoba Nala to Saswad via Dive Ghat on June 22. Parts of the Dive Ghat Mountain have been dug for road widening, making the Ghat section slippery, the police said. The police said it is not safe for people and the Warkaris to visit the mountain top as the work for widening four kilometers of Dive Ghat road is underway. The police said several people visit the top side of Dive Ghat Mountains for tourism, click photographs, and make reels. Palkhi procession is a major spiritual event in Maharashtra when Warkaris of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj accompany the palanquin carrying the Paduka (sacred footwear) of their revered saints head to Pandharpur in Solapur district on foot. The procession that starts from two points — Alandi and Dehu -– carrying the Paduka of their respective saints took its present grand form in the early 19th century. This year, the pilgrimage concludes on July 6, on Ashadhi Ekadashi.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- 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.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ongoing road-widening work along Dive Ghat may impact Warkari movement during Palkhi procession
The ongoing road-widening work and persistent traffic jams along the Dive Ghat stretch of the Hadapsar-Saswad Palkhi Marg have raised serious concerns ahead of the annual Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession from Alandi to Pandharpur. Road-widening work has been underway for the past six months and is expected to continue for at least a year, according to road construction officials. The delay will pose a major challenge with lakhs of Warkaris set to take the Dive Ghat route during the pilgrimage. Even deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has expressed concern over the situation, urging swift action so that the pilgrims are not inconvenienced. Whereas minister of rural development and panchayat raj, Jaykumar Gore, carried out an inspection of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi route including the Dive Ghat stretch and the Saswad Palkhi camp. The minister expressed confidence that the Saswad Palkhi camp is well equipped, and that there will be no issues with respect to the same. For the first time, waterproof tents capable of accommodating up to 5,000 Warkaris at the same time will be set up at various locations. Gore announced that extensive arrangements will be made with respect to bathing and toilet facilities for women during this year's Wari. Taking note of the damage caused by last week's rain at several halting points of the Palkhi, Gore directed the administration to take immediate remedial measures. He said that the primary purpose of the visit was to assess the rain-induced damage and ensure prompt repairs. Gore held a meeting with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), contractor, and government officials during which he issued clear instructions to prioritise the completion of existing work along the Dive Ghat section rather than initiating any new construction activities. He directed that all work be temporarily halted and that proper barricading be carried out to ensure the safety of Warkaris and devotees. The minister ordered that construction be resumed only after the safe passage of the Palkhi procession and Warkaris and devotees. 'This initiative aims to ensure the safety and convenience of the Warkaris during the Wari period, facilitating their journey along the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi route including the Dive Ghat section,' Gore said. In May, the NHAI and Phursungi traffic police had issued an advisory urging motorists to take alternate routes during designated hours owing to the ongoing work at Dive Ghat. Blasting operations are currently being carried out to clear rocky terrain as part of the road-widening project, the traffic police said. Arvind Srivastava, project manager for the road-widening contractor, said that blasting is necessary to break through tough rock formations in the area. However, the process can dislodge large stones, which often fall onto the road creating safety hazards, a concern also highlighted by the NHAI.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
Final preparations done for Palkhi; tight vehicle curbs in place
As the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession prepares to set off from Alandi on June 19, authorities and organisers have undertaken a massive logistical operation to ensure the smooth movement of the Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage. With around 430 dindis joining the procession, each group will be accompanied by food and luggage trucks and two supporting vehicles, forming a well-coordinated caravan that will head toward Pandharpur, the revered abode of Lord Vitthal. Traffic arrangements have been tightened to avoid bottlenecks and reduce pressure on the local administration. Speaking about the preparations, Yogi Niranjan Nath Guru Shantinath, chief trustee of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan, said, 'We have completed the chariot preparation, conducted the necessary traffic inspections,and issued the RTO certification. Private vehicles will not be allowed as they pose a major burden on local traffic management during the pilgrimage. However, we have issued vehicle passes to essential service providers and residents.' Each dindi will have two trucks allocated for carrying devotees' belongings, along with additional vehicles to assist with logistics and coordination. 'This system allows the palkhi to move seamlessly while minimising delays and ensuring the safety and convenience of the pilgrims,' the chief trustee added. The official journey of the palkhi will begin after the evening aarti on June 19, with the procession expected to leave Alandi at 6am on June 20. The palkhi yatra will span nearly 21 days, culminating in Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, where lakhs of Warkaris will converge to offer prayers and get a glimpse of Lord Vitthal. Despite the vastness of the event, the procession has historically been managed with remarkable efficiency, largely due to the discipline and collective spirit of the Warkari community. 'There is always a sense of relief in knowing that the Warkaris themselves maintain order. Their faith, patience, and self-regulation are at the heart of this tradition,' said Yogi Niranjan Nath. As preparations near completion, Alandi is witnessing a surge in spiritual energy. With chants of 'Gyanba-Tukaram' echoing through the town, the sacred journey is once again set to reaffirm Maharashtra's deep-rooted tradition of devotion, community, and faith in motion.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pune traffic branch writes to PMC about trouble spots on Palkhi route
The Pune Traffic Branch has submitted a list of trouble spots along the Wari route to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), highlighting areas affected by rubble, blocked drainages, and overgrown trees with branches hanging dangerously over the roads. According to the letter, special attention needs to be given to the safety of the warkaris during their passage through the city. In addition to this, a letter has been sent to the divisional commissioner urging prompt completion of the necessary repairs and maintenance along the route. The letter stresses that the PMC must prioritise urgent repairs, including the removal of rubble and garbage, unblocking drainage lines, cutting dangerous tree branches, and addressing potholes and other road-related issues. The route in question stretches from Vishrantwadi to Hadapsar and onward to Kunjirwadi, with many of the problematic areas falling under the jurisdiction of the civic body. The letter highlights several critical issues along the Palkhi route. It points out numerous potholes between Bopkhel Phata and Dutta Temple, where drainage lines are frequently clogged. Additionally, the stretch from Harris Bridge to Sancheti Hospital is reported to have garbage dumped on both sides, while Wakdewadi Road is dotted with potholes. The traffic department has also raised concerns about open drainages near the Engineering College, which pose significant risks to the warkaris. Commenting on the development, DCP (Traffic) Amol Zende said, 'We have given a list of all the obstacles to the PMC and also the divisional commissioner, informing about the challenges before the traffic police in managing the Wari procession. We are hopeful that the civic body will take immediate action in the larger interest of safety and security of the warkaris.' Meanwhile, social activist Jaymala Dhankikar allayed fears that PMC's lack of professionalism in discharging duties would cause suffering to the warkaris. PMC commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said, 'All the necessary instructions have been given to the departments concerned to complete and expedite the work before the Wari procession begins in the city,' he said. The Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage to Pandharpur will commence in Pune on June 19, 2025. This year, the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi will depart from Alandi on the evening of June 19, while the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi will begin its journey from Dehu on June 18, 2025.
