The much-awaited schedule for the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Ashadhi Wari Palkhi 2024 has been officially announced by the esteemed Shri Dnyashwar Maharaj Sansthan Committee of Alandi Devasthan. This annual Palkhi yatra, deeply entrenched in tradition and spirituality, is set to commence its sacred journey towards Pandharpur on June 29th, 2024, coinciding with Jestha Vadya Ashtami. The culmination of this divine procession will coincide with the auspicious Ashadhi Ekadashi on the 17th of July, 2024.
The Sacred Route: Stops and Significance
Every year, devout followers of the Warkari community embark on the spiritual odyssey known as the Wari to Pandharpur, converging to celebrate the revered Ashadhi Ekadashi, the eleventh lunar day of the Hindu Ashadha month. Palkhis, or palanquins, carrying the divine essence of saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram, commence their journey from their respective places of samadhi.
The journey begins with the first halt at the Darshan Mandap Building in Alandi, setting the tone for the spiritual sojourn. Subsequently, the Palkhi yatra proceeds to Pune, where it pauses for contemplation from June 30th to July 1st. The itinerary then unfolds as follows:
- Saswad: July 2nd – July 3rd
- Jejuri: July 4th
- Valhe: July 5th
- Lonand: July 6th – July 7th
- Taradgaon: July 8th
- Phaltan: July 9th
- Barad: July 10th
- Natepute: July 11th
- Malshiras: July 12th
- Velapur: July 13th
- Bhandishegaon: July 14th
- Wakhari: July 15th
- Pandharpur: July 16th
Pandharpur, the ultimate destination of this spiritual pilgrimage, will host the procession till the 20th of July before it embarks on its return journey to Alandi on the 21st.
The Revered Ritual of Ringan: A Symbol of Devotion
Central to the Wari is the profound ritual of Ringan, symbolizing the unifying circle of devotion. During this sacred event, Warkaris gather around the palanquin of the saint, engaging in devotional songs such as bhajans. The ambiance is further sanctified by the presence of the ‘Maulicha Ashva,’ the sacred horse believed to carry the saint’s soul, galloping around the Ringan.
The Ringan dates for the Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi 2024 are as follows:
- Chandoba Limba (First Standing Ringan): July 8th
- Purandawade (First Round Ringan): July 12th
- Kudus Phata (Second Round Ringan): July 13th
- Thakur Buvachi Samadhi (Third Ringan, meet with procession of Saint Sopandev): July 14th
- Bajirao Chi Vihir (Second Standing Ringan, Fourth Round Ringan): July 15th
- Paduka (Third Standing Ringan): July 16th
Other Key Dates: Embracing Tradition
The spiritual journey is interspersed with significant dates and rituals, further enriching the pilgrimage experience:
- Neera Bath: July 6th
- Bandhu Bhet: July 14th
The Return Journey: A Continuation of Reverence
After immersing in the divine aura of Pandharpur, the Palkhi ceremoniously concludes its visit on July 20th. The subsequent return journey, marked by halts at sacred locales, echoes the spirit of devotion:
- Wakhari: July 21st
- Velapur: July 22nd
- Natepute: July 23rd
- Phaltan: July 24th
- Padegaon: July 25th
- Valhe (Neera Bath): July 26th
- Saswad: July 27th
- Hadapsar: July 28th
- Pune (Bhavani Peth): July 29th
- Alandi: July 30th
A Timeless Tradition: Concluding Ceremony
The spiritual fervor culminates in the concluding ceremony of Pradakshina around Alandi on July 31st. This ritualistic closure not only marks the end of the pilgrimage but also reinforces the enduring bond between devotees and their spiritual heritage.
As the timetable for the Pandharpur Wari 2024 unfolds, it beckons devotees and pilgrims from far and wide to partake in this sacred journey of devotion, reaffirming their faith and spirituality with each step taken in reverence.
