a day ago
Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi arrives in Pimpri-Chinchwad to a warm welcome
Amidst intermittent rain, the Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession arrived in Pimpri-Chinchwad around 5 pm on Thursday to a warm welcome from hundreds of people who had gathered at Bhakti Shakti Junction in Nigdi. The palkhi procession will take an overnight halt in Akurdi before leaving for Pandharpur on Friday morning.
The Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession took off from Dehu on Wednesday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was present when the palkhi commenced its annual prilgrimage. After a day's halt, it started its onward journey on Thursday.
On the other hand, the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi procession left the temple town of Alandi in the morning. It will stay put at Gandhi Wada Alandi and will leave for Pandharpur on Friday morning.
Both the palkhis will first reach Pune city by Friday afternoon and will take a day's rest before moving for its onward journey. During their halt in Pune city, the Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi will be stationed at Nivdunga Vithal temple while the Sant Dyanewshwar Maharaj Palkhi will rest at Vithoba temple
The Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession left Inamdar Wada in Dehu at its appointed hour of 10.30 am unmindful of the heavy drizzle. When the palkhi procession reached Nigdi Chowk, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, MLA Mahesh Landge, MLC Uma Khapre, PCMC city engineer Makrand Nikam, additional commissioners Pradeep Jambhle Patil, Vijaykumar Kharote and several other officials were present.
Like every year, the 'dindi' chiefs were felicitated by the PCMC administration. Both the palkhis will reach Pandharpur, the abode of Lord Vitthal on July 16, the Ashadhi Ekadashi day.
Special focus on Palkhi procession
With the Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram palkhi processions entering PCMC limits, civic teams are working in mission mode to ensure a smooth and safe passage for Warkaris, the PCMC administration said.
Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has directed all departments to ensure 'zero waterlogging' along the Palkhi route.
A targeted cleanliness drive is underway, with special attention on stormwater chamber tops to avoid garbage-induced blockages. Emergency response units with mechanised equipment have been deployed at critical points across Bhosari, Dighi, and Nigdi, the civic administration said.
