Maharashtra’s great spiritual and cultural tradition, the ‘Pandharpur Wari’, has commenced once again. Lakhs of ‘Warkaris’ (devotees) have embarked on their journey towards Pandharpur, hoping for a glimpse of their revered Lord Vitthal (Pandurang). The entire state is steeped in devotion, echoing with the continuous chants of ‘Dnyanoba-Tukaram’ and the rhythmic beats of the mridangam and taal.
If you plan to join this grand pilgrimage on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi (July 25, 2026), or simply wish to track the Palkhi routes, this complete guide has all the details you need.
Grand Departure from Dehu and Alandi: Rain and Floods Fail to Dampen Devotion
This year, the 341st Palkhi ceremony of Sant Tukaram Maharaj commenced from Shrikshetra Dehu on July 7. Meanwhile, the Palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj (Mauli) departed from Alandi on July 8.
Key Highlights:
- Indrayani River in Spate: Due to continuous heavy rains, the Indrayani river in Dehu and Alandi is flooded. Though the water level has receded slightly, the administration has restricted bathing in the river for safety reasons.
- Unmatched Enthusiasm: The devotion of the Warkaris remains at its peak despite the rain showers. Women devotees were seen joyfully playing ‘Fugdi’ (a traditional Maharashtrian game) in the temple premises.
- Mahapooja: In Dehu, the Mahapooja of Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s Padukas (holy sandals) was performed by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and Kolhapur’s Yuvraj Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati. The padukas were specially polished, and at 3:00 PM, the Palkhi officially began its journey toward Pandharpur.
📍 Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Route & Schedule (2026)
The Palkhi of Sant Tukaram Maharaj starts from Dehu and passes through various towns before reaching Pandharpur. The detailed schedule is as follows:
- July 7: Departure from Dehu; Night halt at Inamdar Wada
- July 8: Dehu to Akurdi Vitthal Temple; Halt
- July 9: Akurdi to Nivdungya Vithoba Temple, Nana Peth (Pune); Halt and Meeting with Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi
- July 10: Rest day in Pune
- July 11: Pune to Loni Kalbhor
- July 12: Loni Kalbhor to Yavat
- July 13: Yavat to Varvand
- July 14: Varvand to Undawadi Gawlyachi
- July 15: Undawadi Gawlyachi to Baramati
- July 16: Baramati to Sansar
- July 17: Sansar to Nimgaon Ketki
- July 18: Nimgaon Ketki to Indapur
- July 19: Indapur to Sarati
- July 20: Sarati to Akluj (Mane Vidyalaya)
- July 21: Akluj Mane Vidyalaya to Borgaon
- July 22: Borgaon to Pirachi Kuroli
- July 23: Pirachi Kuroli to Wakhari
- July 24: Wakhari to Shrikshetra Pandharpur
- July 25: Ashadhi Ekadashi (Shri Vitthal Darshan in Pandharpur)
📍 Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj (Mauli) Palkhi Route & Schedule (2026)
The Palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj moves from Alandi towards Pandharpur via Saswad and Jejuri.
- July 8: Departure from Alandi
- July 9: Alandi to Bhavani Peth (Pune); Meeting with Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi at Wakdewadi
- July 10: Rest day in Pune
- July 11: Pune to Saswad
- July 12: Rest day in Saswad
- July 13: Saswad to Jejuri
- July 14: Jejuri to Walhe
- July 15: Walhe to Lonand
- July 16: Lonand to Taradgaon
- July 17: Taradgaon to Phaltan
- July 18: Phaltan to Barad
- July 19: Barad to Natepute
- July 20: Natepute to Malshiras
- July 21: Malshiras to Velapur
- July 22: Velapur to Bhandishegaon
- July 23: Bhandishegaon to Wakhari
- July 24: Wakhari to Shrikshetra Pandharpur
- July 25: Ashadhi Ekadashi (Shri Vitthal Darshan in Pandharpur)
Important Highlights of the Wari (Complete Guide)
- Confluence in Pune: The two major Palkhis converge in Pune city on July 9 and 10, turning the entire city into a spiritual haven. July 10 serves as a rest day for both processions before they continue on their respective routes.
- Ringan Ceremony: Throughout the journey, the spectacular ‘Ringan’ ceremony takes place at various locations (such as Indapur, Akluj, and Malshiras). A sacred horse (Ashwa) runs in a circle while Warkaris form a ring around it, singing bhajans and performing traditional games. It is a visually breathtaking spiritual experience.
- Mahasangam in Wakhari: On July 23-24, Palkhis of various saints from all over Maharashtra congregate at Wakhari village. From here, a massive sea of devotees marches forward to Pandharpur together.
- Arrangements: The administration and various social organizations have set up extensive arrangements for food, drinking water, medical aid, and mobile toilets for the Warkaris along the entire route.
This year, the sacred pilgrimage will culminate on Ashadhi Ekadashi, July 25, 2026, with the divine darshan of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini Mata in Pandharpur. Ram Krishna Hari!
