On Monday (12th), the highly anticipated arrival of the Palkhi’s carrying Sant Dyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj is scheduled to take place in Pune. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure a warm reception for the participants.
The Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi will be received at Kalas by the Yerwada Ward Office on Alandi Road at 11:30 am. At the same time, the Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi will be welcomed at Bopodi at 1 PM, where Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar will extend a heartfelt greeting.
To accommodate the large influx of pilgrims, arrangements have been made in Pune to address their accommodation and healthcare needs during their stay on Monday and Tuesday. Dedicated teams have been deployed to ensure cleanliness throughout the city during this period.
A total of 3,093 mobile toilets will be available to cater to the requirements of the pilgrims. Accommodations will be provided in Bhawani Peth and Kasba Vishrambaugwada Zonal Office limits, with mechanical cleaning of the toilets scheduled three times a day. Waste management preparations have been completed, including garbage collection three times a day, ensuring a clean environment throughout the event, as shared by Asha Raut, Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste Management Department, PMC.
To prioritize the safety and comfort of women staying in schools, toilet facilities have been arranged, and sanitary napkin vending machines have been installed. Moreover, separate women’s cells have been established at Nivdungya Vithoba Temple in Nana Peth and Palkhi Vithoba Temple in Bhawani Peth, equipped with gynecologists and physiotherapists. The health department is also taking steps to prevent any disturbance caused by stray animals and dogs in the vicinity.
As a gesture of solidarity with the palkhi ceremony, the registration fee at all municipal clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes has been waived off from June 12 to 13. Free treatment will be provided to all individuals during this period. Sonawane Hospital in Bhawani Peth, along with other clinics, will operate 24 hours to ensure continuous medical assistance. A dedicated health team will be stationed at 20 locations along the Palkhi Marg in the city, equipped with oral rehydration solution (ORS) and essential medications. Additionally, there will be a medical team of 90 members on the Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Marg and 86 members on the Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg.
To ensure an uninterrupted water supply for the pilgrims, water tankers will be deployed at various locations along the procession route, from the arrival in the city until the exit from Hadapsar. The road department has taken measures to fill potholes and improve road conditions along the Palkhi road. The Fire Department has implemented necessary fire prevention measures at Palkhi Vithoba Temple and Nivdungya Vithoba Temple. Once both palanquins move towards Pandharpur, all schools will be promptly cleaned. Furthermore, CCTV systems have been installed to enhance security monitoring at Palkhi Vithoba and Nivdungya Vithoba temples.
