Pune: Conflict Delays Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s Palanquin In Uruli Kanchan
Pune: Conflict Delays Sant Tukaram Maharaj's Palanquin In Uruli Kanchan
In Uruli Kanchan, the annual pilgrimage of Sant Tukaram Maharaj faced an unexpected obstacle this year, disrupting a longstanding tradition. Traditionally, the procession passes through this town during the Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage to Pandharpur. However, this time, local authorities and villagers clashed over the route, causing significant disruption.
The disagreement arose when the procession arrived at the village where local leaders and villagers were already gathered for a religious song session, hindering the Palanquin’s passage. Police intervened to redirect the route, attempting to ease congestion and facilitate the Palanquin’s smooth passage. This effort, however, led to a confrontation as villagers resisted the police’s actions, leading to heated arguments and unrest.
As a result, the Palanquin procession could not proceed through Uruli Kanchan as planned. This deviation from tradition disappointed many devotees who annually await this spiritual event. The organizers and local authorities are now in discussions to ensure such conflicts do not recur in the future and to find alternative routes for the pilgrimage.
The disruption highlights the challenges of balancing traditional practices with modern logistical constraints and local sentiments. The decision to alter the route was reluctantly made to ensure the safety and continuity of the pilgrimage amidst evolving circumstances. Devotees and organizers hope for smoother arrangements in the coming years to preserve the sanctity and tradition of Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s pilgrimage through Uruli Kanchan.
