Pune, 21 June 2025: “Tuka Mhane Dhava Panduranga, Aahe Bhaktiche Thayi ranga..”, this timeless feeling came alive yesterday as Pune witnessed an ocean of faith on its streets. Despite spells of heavy rain, thousands of Warkaris walked alongside the sacred palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj, which have arrived in the city en route to Pandharpur. The atmosphere was charged with chants of “Dnyanoba-Tukaram”, ringing through the city as Punkars welcomed the Palkhis with heartfelt hospitality.
Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s palkhi began its journey from Alandi at 7 am, while Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s palkhi left Akurdi at 5 am towards Pune. Although the morning rain tested the pilgrims, the sun peeked out later, giving some relief. Warkaris walked undeterred, singing bhajans, playing cymbals and drums, and absorbing the rain as a divine blessing. Roadsides overflowed with people eager to catch a glimpse and seek blessings.
At 1:15 pm, Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi entered Pune city limits at Bopodi, where Additional Commissioner Omprakash Divte welcomed the procession. Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi reached Kalas by 1:45 pm and was greeted by Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and other officials. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil also joined devotees to offer prayers at Tukaram Paduka Chowk.
Local residents went all out to serve the Warkaris with water, food, and raincoats along the route. Everywhere, people joined the procession, chanting “Ram Krishna Hari”, dancing to the beat of the drums, and even playing traditional games like fugdi during rest breaks, leaving behind all fatigue from the long march.
By evening, Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi reached Patil Estate while Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi moved from Vishrantwadi towards Sangamwadi. Crowds lined the streets, awaiting their arrival. As the chariots passed through key spots like Gopal Krishna Gokhale Road, Dnyaneshwar Paduka Chowk, and Tilak Chowk, grand aartis were performed amidst a sea of devotees.
Late at night, Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi rested at Vitthal Mandir in Bhavani Peth, and Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi at Nivadunga Vitthal Mandir in Nana Peth, where devotees continued to gather in large numbers for darshan.
This year, an important decision to control loud music at political welcome camps ensured that the Warkaris’ spiritual chanting and bhajans continued without disturbance. Only police announcements were made on speakers, allowing the city to soak in pure devotion, undisturbed and peaceful.
