Pune: Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s Palkhi to Start Journey Tomorrow; Dehu Abuzz with Devotees, CM Shinde to Attend

Dehu, June 27, 2024: The Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage will witness the departure of Jagatguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s Palkhi from Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir in Dehu towards Pandharpur tomorrow. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will grace the occasion.

Thousands of Warkaris and devotees from across Maharashtra are converging in Dehu for the Palkhi Ceremony. Villagers of Dehu Gaon are eagerly preparing to welcome the devotees. The banks of the Indrayani River are thronged with devotees, and a bustling atmosphere has enveloped Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir since early morning.

Various organizations and local residents have arranged for food donations and elaborate welcoming services along the Palkhi route. The Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan Dehu, Dehu Nagar Panchayat, and Dehu Road Police have coordinated efforts to ensure the success of the Palkhi Ceremony.

Manik Maharaj More, Vishal Maharaj More, and Santosh Maharaj More, organizers of the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Ceremony, announced, “The Palkhi ceremony will commence tomorrow at 2:30 PM from the Bhajan Mandap at Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir.”

Preparations are in full swing at the institution. The Silver Palkhi Ratha has been meticulously polished by artisans from Kolhapur. Dindis participating in the ceremony have already arrived in Dehu. This year marks the 339th Palkhi ceremony. Temple President Purushottam Maharaj More and Trustees Sanjay Maharaj More, Bhanudas Maharaj More, and Ajit Maharaj More are overseeing the arrangements.

To manage the influx of visitors, heavy traffic in Dehu will be completely halted today and tomorrow (June 28). Additionally, traffic between Nigdi and Dehu Road on the old Pune-Mumbai highway will be diverted via the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass highway on Saturday (June 29).

Palkhi Ceremony Schedule for Tomorrow:

– 4:30 AM – Morning Aarti at Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir
– 5:00 AM – Maha Pooja at Shree Vitthal Rakhumai Temple and Shila Mandir Sant Tukaram Maharaj
– 5:30 AM – Maha Pooja at Narayan Maharaj Samadhi Temple by trustees
– 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Sant Tukaram Maharaj Paduka Poojan at Inamdar Wada
– 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Keertan by Dehukar Maharaj
– 2:30 PM – Arrival of Tukaram Maharaj’s Padukas at Bhajani Mandap, Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir
– 2:30 PM – Commencement of the Palkhi Ceremony with distinguished guests in attendance.