Palkhi Ceremony Procession Commences from Dehu, Maharashtra, Amidst Reverence for Lord Vitthala
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Dehu, June 28, 2024: Amidst chants invoking Lord Vitthala and Jagatguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj, the sacred Palkhi Ceremony began its journey today towards Pandharpur, the cherished abode of Maharashtra’s beloved deity. The Ashadi Wari departed from Dehu Gaon at 3 PM, attracting devotees from across the nation to partake in this auspicious event. Thousands of Warkaris gathered, filled with anticipation for the darshan of Panduranga.
People from all corners of Maharashtra and beyond congregated in Dehu to witness this once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Palkhi Ceremony. The banks of the river Indrayani overflowed with devotees. The day’s events commenced at 4:30 AM with the grand Maha Abhishek at Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan Dehu, performed by Bhanudas Maharaj More and Ajit Maharaj More. This was followed by morning Aarti at Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir, Maha Pooja at Shree Vithal Rukhamai Temple and Shila Mandir Sant Tukaram Maharaj, and Maha Pooja at Narayan Maharaj Samadhi Temple by trustees.
The festivities included Paduka Poojan of Sant Tukaram Maharaj at Inamdar Wada, Keertan by Dehukar Maharaj, and the arrival of Tukaram Maharaj’s Padukas at Bhajani Mandap in Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir. The formal commencement of the Palkhi Ceremony took place at 2 PM in the mandap of Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir, amidst chants and prayers during the Paduka Poojan ceremony. Following all rituals, the grand procession embarked on its journey towards Pandharpur in Solapur district.
Distinguished guests including Maval MP Shrirang Barne, Maval MLA Sunil Shelke, Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge, Chinchwad MLA Ashwini Jagtap, and MLC Uma Khapare graced the occasion. Also present were Dehu Nagar Parishad chief Pooja Diwate, Tehsildar Jayraj Deshmukh, and Medical Officer of Primary Health Center Dr. Kishore Yadav.
