Latest news with #SantDnyaneshwarMaharajSansthan
Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Fadnavis, Shinde lead Yoga Day celebrations in Maharashtra
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde led large-scale events in Pune and Mumbai respectively on Saturday, as Maharashtra marked the 11th International Day of Yoga with widespread public participation. From university campuses to pilgrimage routes and the Mumbai coastline, thousands joined in synchronised yoga sessions aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being. In Pune, Fadnavis addressed a Warkari Bhakti-Yoga programme organised by Savitribai Phule Pune University, Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan (Alandi), and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan (Dehu). The event brought together Warkari pilgrims, students, faculty members, and officials in a collective yoga session. 'Yoga is the soul of India's cultural heritage and a path to a healthy and joyous life,' Fadnavis said, while giving credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for securing the United Nations' recognition of Yoga Day 11 years ago. While highlighting the scientific design of asanas and their relevance to holistic wellness, Fadnavis also launched a new initiative, 'Arogya Wari', to integrate yoga into college campuses statewide. 'Today, the Warkari community embodied the PM Modi's message of 'Ek Bhumi, Ek Arogya (One Earth, One Health)' through unified practice,' he added. Over 700 colleges across the state participated in coordinated yoga sessions, including more than 6,000 students and 1,200 faculty members in Pune district alone, according to the National Service Scheme (NSS). Participants practiced asanas such as Tadasana, Bhujangasana, Makarasana, Kapalbhati, and Anulom-Vilom, under the guidance of Dr Pallavi Kewhane's team. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, and scholar Dr Sadanand More were among those present, along with senior civic, police, and university officials. Patil noted that nearly 10 million people worldwide participated in yoga events. 'This reflects yoga's growing global relevance as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern wellness,' he said. In Mumbai, Shinde participated in a grand public yoga session at Marine Drive. 'Thanks to the leadership of PM Modi, yoga has been embraced globally,' Shinde said while extending the greetings on Yoga Day. 'It brings balance, peace, and discipline. We must make it a daily habit—not just an annual observance.' Sena MP Shrikant Shinde likened yoga to national defence, saying, 'Just as soldiers guard our borders, yoga protects our bodies and minds.' Shaina N C, Shiv Sena leader and president of I Love Mumbai, highlighted her organisation's monthly public yoga sessions and aligned the event with the government's 'One Earth, One Health' campaign. 'Yoga is not only for the body but for the soul. It connects us with nature and each other,' she said. Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander of the Coast Guard Region (West), stressed on yoga's value for the physical and emotional resilience of armed forces personnel. Participants were guided through yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation by Mickey Mehta and instructors from The Yoga Institute. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Drass in Kargil to inaugurate Sarhad Shauryathon 2025, marking 26 years of India's victory in the Kargil War. Organised by the Indian Army, Sarhad Pune, and Arham Foundation, the high-altitude marathon at 10,800 ft features over 3,000 participants. The event includes four races named after key battle points, paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers.
Indian Express
5 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.
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Five lakh devotees to accompany Sant Dnyaneshwar palkhi to Pandharpur amid rain concerns
Written by Siddhi Patil The annual Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi (chariot) procession will begin from Alandi in the Pune district of Maharashtra on June 19, with lakhs of devotees walking to Pandharpur. It will mark the start of the Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage to the temple town in the Solapur district dedicated to Lord Vitthal. The palkhi is scheduled to reach Pandharpur on July 10 and return on July 29. Devotees will halt in Pune city on June 20 and 21. This year, 280 dindis (groups of worshippers) have registered with the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan, while 330 Dindis are associated with the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan. An estimated 5 lakh pilgrims are expected to accompany the Sant Dnyaneshwar palkhi. Meanwhile, the Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi will depart from Dehu, also in the Pune district, on June 18, reaching Pandharpur on July 10 and returning on July 21. This Palkhi will halt at Nana Peth in Pune on June 21. At a recent meeting with the state government, the Varkari Sampradaya raised important concerns about infrastructure, including healthcare, sanitation, water supply, transportation, and first aid facilities during the procession. It raised serious environmental issues, particularly the pollution of the Indrayani and Chandrabhaga rivers, and the risks posed by incomplete road construction during the monsoon. Yogi Niranjan Nath Guru Shantinath, chief trustee of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan, said, 'The (Eknath) Shinde government initiated these meetings last year, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has continued them. Our concerns have been heard, and directions have been given to the respective departments. However, there has been no permanent resolution yet. Our main worry is the impact of ongoing rains and incomplete national highway roadworks, which pose a safety threat to Varkaris. Our surveys suggest rains may continue until June 27.' (Siddhi Patil is an intern with The Indian Express)
