Pune, June 23, 2025 — The spiritually charged air of Maharashtra has once again come alive as the annual Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi procession commenced from Dehu, drawing thousands of warkaris (devotees) who are walking towards Pandharpur for the holy Ashadhi Ekadashi celebration.
The Palkhi tradition, a 700-year-old spiritual journey, sees devotees of saints Tukaram Maharaj and Dnyaneshwar Maharaj walking nearly 250 kilometers over 21 days to reach the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur. Known as Pandharpur Wari, this event is one of the largest and most peaceful religious gatherings in India, highlighting devotion, discipline, and unity.
This year’s procession started with ceremonial prayers and ‘Ringan’, a unique ritual where a sacred horse symbolizing the saint runs in a circular path on a field prepared by devotees. The Dehu Palkhi (of Tukaram Maharaj) began its journey on Sunday morning, accompanied by dhol-tasha beats, chanting of abhangs (devotional songs), and saffron flags waving across the horizon.
Police and civic authorities in Pune and surrounding districts have made elaborate arrangements to manage the large crowd. Special medical camps, drinking water facilities, and sanitation services have been set up along the Palkhi route. “We are ensuring the safety and comfort of all pilgrims through 24/7 support teams and volunteer groups,” said a Pune Municipal Corporation spokesperson.
Over 4 lakh warkaris are expected to participate this year, many of whom walk barefoot, chanting “Vitthal Vitthal” and singing traditional hymns as they make their way across towns and villages. The spirit of unity and self-discipline among the pilgrims is often hailed as a model for public processions in India.
The Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi, which departs from Alandi, will soon merge with the Tukaram Palkhi near Pune, and the united group will continue their journey to Pandharpur, where they are scheduled to arrive ahead of Ashadhi Ekadashi on July 17, 2025.
