Dehu : The Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage is set to witness the departure of Jagatguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s Palkhi from the Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir in Dehu towards Pandharpur. The event will be graced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Devotees Converge in Dehu
Thousands of Warkaris and devotees from across Maharashtra have gathered in Dehu for the Palkhi Ceremony. The villagers of Dehu Gaon are eagerly preparing to welcome the devotees. The banks of the Indrayani River are thronged with worshippers, creating a bustling atmosphere at the Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir since early morning.
Community Support and Preparations
Various organizations and local residents have arranged for food donations and 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.
Ceremony Details
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. Artisans from Kolhapur have meticulously polished the Silver Palkhi Ratha. 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.
Traffic Management
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
Conclusion
The annual departure of Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s Palkhi is a significant event that brings together thousands of devotees. With the preparations and community support in full swing, the pilgrimage is set to proceed smoothly. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s attendance highlights the event’s importance, ensuring that this year’s ceremony will be a memorable one for all participants.
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