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Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- 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
4 days ago
- Climate
- Indian Express
Wari palkhi procession begins amid heavy rain in Pune, irrigation department sounds warning about Indrayani river flooding
Pune and its surrounding areas witnessed heavy rain over the last 24 hours as the annual Wari pilgrimage in Maharashtra began Wednesday. The irrigation department has issued a warning Thursday about the release of water from the Jadhavwadi irrigation pond into the Indrayani river, which will cause water levels to rise in the temple towns of Dehu and Alandi in the Pune district. Devotees undertake the palkhi (palanquin) procession to Pandharpur, the temple town in the Solapur district dedicated to Lord Vitthal, from Dehu and Alandi. The Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession began from Dehu Wednesday and the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi procession began from Alandi Thursday. The irrigation department has announced that the Jadhavwadi water tank is nearly 97 per cent full, and water will begin to discharge from the tank into the Indrayani river. As the river flows through the temple towns of Dehu, Alandi, and Tulapur, district authorities have warned people to stay away from the riverbed and to ensure that boats are securely tied. Many devotees, as part of the Wari pilgrimage, have gathered in the temple towns, and people are advised not to venture into the river. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that the hill station of Lonavala reported 187 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. Similarly, Kurvande (219 mm), Girivian (160 mm), Shivajinagar (31.5 mm), Talegaon (65.5 mm), Chinchwad (60.5 mm) and Pashan (33 mm) have all reported considerable rainfall. Pune and its surrounding areas are expected to experience continuous rain over the next 24 hours, according to the IMD. Localised flooding, traffic congestion, and falling tree branches are anticipated in many areas. Last week, four people were killed in a bridge collapse near Kundamala, a popular tourist site in the Pune district. The iron bridge in Kundamala, located in Maval taluka, gave way under the weight of several tourists who had gathered on it, causing many to fall into the Indrayani River, which had swelled due to days of heavy rain. In response, the district collector issued prohibitory orders advising people to stay away from water bodies. The monsoon, which had entered a lull phase, has become active across Pune. Currently, the northern limit of the monsoon extends across Barmer, Jodhpur, and other cities in northern India. The monsoon has fully covered Gujarat, parts of Rajasthan, and most areas of central India, including Maharashtra.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
NMC fire safety notices to 78 units in Mahal complex after deadly blaze
1 2 Nagpur: Days after a deadly fire at Jai Kamal Complex in Mahal claimed two lives, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) fire department launched a crackdown on fire safety violations at the site. On Tuesday, Ganjipeth fire station officials served notices to 78 units — including 44 shops and 34 residential flats — under Section 6 of Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act for failure to install basic firefighting systems. The action came after a June 14 blaze inside a godown illegally operating out of a flat led to the suffocation death of NK Light House owner Girish Khatri and his employee Vitthal. A welder suffered critical burns in the incident, which was sparked during welding work and accelerated by flammable material stored inside the residential unit. Among those served notices is the Khatri family itself, after officials reportedly found firecrackers stored in two separate flats — on the first and third floors — of the residential scheme. The presence of explosive materials in a residential high-rise has shocked residents and officials alike. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The notices pertain to two wings of the complex — one ground+5 and another ground+4 — where commercial activity beyond the allowed ground+1 floor limit is rampant. The building's sanctioned use, layout, and zoning permissions are now under scrutiny. Fire officials have asked all unit holders to submit property ownership documents, building maps, and the purpose of usage within a set deadline. Chief fire officer Tushar Barahate confirmed the enforcement action and said further steps will follow based on the responses. As calls for sealing illegal godowns grow louder by local residents, the fire department's action may be the start of a wider purge — but critics argue it is years overdue. Barahate also claimed that the Khatris have already started vacating the illegal godowns converted in two flats in the building where the fire broke out.
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Economic Times
Pandharpur Wari Palki Yatra 2025: Check dates, day-wise schedule, rituals, significance and more
Every year, millions of devotees participate in Pandharpur Wari, one of Maharashtra's most revered and centuries-old pilgrimages in honour of Lord Vitthal, a form of Lord Vishnu. This spiritual journey, filled with faith, devotion, and cultural vibrancy, begins from towns like Dehu and Alandi and culminates in the holy town of Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, which falls on July 6, 2025. What is Pandharpur Wari? Pandharpur Wari is a devotional procession in which Warkaris (devotees) walk for several days, singing abhangas (devotional songs) and hymns. The pilgrimage is led by two major Palkhi processions: Sant Tukaram Maharaj's Palkhi from DehuSant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj's Palkhi from AlandiThe Wari spans nearly 20 days, covering over 250 kilometres. Along the route, the Palkhis halt in various towns and villages where community events, spiritual discourses, and cultural programs take place. Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi 2025 Schedule The procession begins in Dehu, the birthplace of Sant Tukaram, and proceeds toward Pandharpur, with thousands of devotees walking alongside the Palkhi carrying his padukas (sacred sandals).Departure: June 18, 2025 (Wednesday)Arrival in Pandharpur: July 5, 2025 (Saturday)Ashadhi Ekadashi: July 6, 2025 (Sunday) Day-Wise Route June 18: Dehu – Departure ceremony June 19: Akurdi – Procession through Pimpri-ChinchwadJune 20: Pune (Nanapeth) – Cultural welcomeJune 21: Hadapsar – Community eventsJune 22: Loni Kalbhor – Devotional gatheringsJune 23: Yavat – Rising participationJune 24: Varvand – Traditional prayersJune 25: Baramati – Devotional musicJune 26: Indapur – Discourses and performancesJune 27: Akluj – Celebrated Ringan ritualJune 28: Malshiras – Pilgrims' meals and restJune 29: Natepute – Bhajans and kirtansJune 30: Velapur – Medical aid and campsJuly 1: Pandharpur Road – Final stretch beginsJuly 2: Bhandishegaon – Devotional activitiesJuly 3: Wakhri – Last major haltJuly 4: Rest and preparationJuly 5: Arrival in PandharpurJuly 6: Ashadhi Ekadashi – Darshan at Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir Spiritual Importance The Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi honours the teachings of Sant Tukaram, a saint-poet who championed bhakti, equality, and humility. His abhangas inspired generations to follow a path of devotion free from caste and social divisions. Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi 2025 Schedule The procession starts in Alandi, where Sant Dnyaneshwar took sanjeevan samadhi, and travels across the state to join the larger Wari movement. Departure: June 19, 2025 (Thursday)Arrival in Pandharpur: July 5, 2025 (Saturday)Ashadhi Ekadashi: July 6, 2025 (Sunday) Day-Wise Route June 19: Alandi – Ritualistic send-off June 20: Pune (Bhavanipeth) – Overnight haltJune 21: Pune – Community eventsJune 22: Saswad – Devotional marchJune 23: Saswad – Bhajans and serviceJune 24: Jejuri – Spiritual discoursesJune 25: Walhe – Local interactionsJune 26: Lonand – Major haltJune 27: Taradgaon – Niravsamadhi ritualsJune 28: Phaltan – Local Wari traditionsJune 29: Barad – Rest dayJune 30: Natepute – Chanting and kirtansJuly 1: Malshiras – Refreshment campsJuly 2: Velapur – Devotional gatheringsJuly 3: Bhandishegaon – Final haltJuly 4: Wakhari – Last stop before PandharpurJuly 5: Arrival in PandharpurJuly 6: Ashadhi Ekadashi – Darshan at Vitthal-Rukmini MandirSpiritual ImportanceThe Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi pays tribute to the legacy of Sant Dnyaneshwar, a 13th-century saint and philosopher who authored Dnyaneshwari, a Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. The journey with his padukas symbolises the pursuit of knowledge, self-realisation, and spiritual Essence of WariPandharpur Wari is more than a pilgrimage—it's a walking celebration of devotion, equality, and collective spirit. It brings together lakhs of devotees across social strata to walk in unison, chant the names of the Lord, and reaffirm values of love, humility, and service.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Pandharpur Wari Palki Yatra 2025: Check dates, day-wise schedule, rituals, significance and more
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Every year, millions of devotees participate in Pandharpur Wari, one of Maharashtra's most revered and centuries-old pilgrimages in honour of Lord Vitthal, a form of Lord Vishnu. This spiritual journey, filled with faith, devotion, and cultural vibrancy, begins from towns like Dehu and Alandi and culminates in the holy town of Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, which falls on July 6, Wari is a devotional procession in which Warkaris (devotees) walk for several days, singing abhangas (devotional songs) and hymns. The pilgrimage is led by two major Palkhi processions:Sant Tukaram Maharaj's Palkhi from DehuSant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj's Palkhi from AlandiThe Wari spans nearly 20 days, covering over 250 kilometres. Along the route, the Palkhis halt in various towns and villages where community events, spiritual discourses, and cultural programs take procession begins in Dehu, the birthplace of Sant Tukaram, and proceeds toward Pandharpur, with thousands of devotees walking alongside the Palkhi carrying his padukas (sacred sandals).Departure: June 18, 2025 (Wednesday)Arrival in Pandharpur: July 5, 2025 (Saturday)Ashadhi Ekadashi: July 6, 2025 (Sunday)June 18: Dehu – Departure ceremonyJune 19: Akurdi – Procession through Pimpri-ChinchwadJune 20: Pune (Nanapeth) – Cultural welcomeJune 21: Hadapsar – Community eventsJune 22: Loni Kalbhor – Devotional gatheringsJune 23: Yavat – Rising participationJune 24: Varvand – Traditional prayersJune 25: Baramati – Devotional musicJune 26: Indapur – Discourses and performancesJune 27: Akluj – Celebrated Ringan ritualJune 28: Malshiras – Pilgrims' meals and restJune 29: Natepute – Bhajans and kirtansJune 30: Velapur – Medical aid and campsJuly 1: Pandharpur Road – Final stretch beginsJuly 2: Bhandishegaon – Devotional activitiesJuly 3: Wakhri – Last major haltJuly 4: Rest and preparationJuly 5: Arrival in PandharpurJuly 6: Ashadhi Ekadashi – Darshan at Vitthal-Rukmini MandirThe Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi honours the teachings of Sant Tukaram, a saint-poet who championed bhakti, equality, and humility. His abhangas inspired generations to follow a path of devotion free from caste and social procession starts in Alandi, where Sant Dnyaneshwar took sanjeevan samadhi, and travels across the state to join the larger Wari June 19, 2025 (Thursday)Arrival in Pandharpur: July 5, 2025 (Saturday)Ashadhi Ekadashi: July 6, 2025 (Sunday)June 19: Alandi – Ritualistic send-offJune 20: Pune (Bhavanipeth) – Overnight haltJune 21: Pune – Community eventsJune 22: Saswad – Devotional marchJune 23: Saswad – Bhajans and serviceJune 24: Jejuri – Spiritual discoursesJune 25: Walhe – Local interactionsJune 26: Lonand – Major haltJune 27: Taradgaon – Niravsamadhi ritualsJune 28: Phaltan – Local Wari traditionsJune 29: Barad – Rest dayJune 30: Natepute – Chanting and kirtansJuly 1: Malshiras – Refreshment campsJuly 2: Velapur – Devotional gatheringsJuly 3: Bhandishegaon – Final haltJuly 4: Wakhari – Last stop before PandharpurJuly 5: Arrival in PandharpurJuly 6: Ashadhi Ekadashi – Darshan at Vitthal-Rukmini MandirSpiritual ImportanceThe Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi pays tribute to the legacy of Sant Dnyaneshwar, a 13th-century saint and philosopher who authored Dnyaneshwari, a Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. The journey with his padukas symbolises the pursuit of knowledge, self-realisation, and spiritual Essence of WariPandharpur Wari is more than a pilgrimage—it's a walking celebration of devotion, equality, and collective spirit. It brings together lakhs of devotees across social strata to walk in unison, chant the names of the Lord, and reaffirm values of love, humility, and service.
