Punekars ready to welcome ‘palkhis’ of Saints Tukaram, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj tomorrow

Pune, June 11 : The citizens of Pune are all set to welcome the highly-anticipated Wari ‘palkhis’ of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, which are about to enter city on Monday while on their way to Pandharpur for Ashadi Ekadashi festival.

The journey of ‘palkhis’ undertaken by Warkaris every year is one of largest processions in the country and also one of the most historical traditions of Maharashtra, attracting tourists from different parts of the state, neighbouring states and even abroad. This occasion is celebrated with great enthusiasm, infusing the city with a vibrant atmosphere.

The number of Warkaris, who accompany the palanquins, steadily increases as the procession advances. Each palanquin is flanked by a large crowd, creating a grand spectacle.

Around eight lakh devotees are likely to make their stay in city for two days before leaving for their final destination of Pandharpur on foot. They make this journey barefooted.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, city police commissioner Retesh Kumaarr, accompanied by joint police commissioner Sandeep Karnik and DCP (Crime) Amol Zende, said that during the period, around 7,000 police personnel will be deployed in the city for security reasons.

He further said the palanquins of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dyaneshwar Maharaj are coming to Pune on Monday and will proceed through the city limits on June 15.

This year, around seven to eight lakh devotees are expected to participate in this ‘palkhi’ ceremony, he said and noted that in light of this, it becomes crucial to ensure the safety and security of the devotees, as their sentiments are deeply connected to the ‘palkhis’.

During the arrival of palanquins, changes have been made in the traffic in city as well as the traffic on the highways coming to the city and alternative routes will be made available for the motorists, he added.

At the same time, the representatives of 37 countries from around the world will arrive in Pune for the G20 conference, the police chief informed.

Jt CP Karnik said that senior officers and constables will accompany the ‘palkhis’ and keep a close watch on criminals and anti-social elements.

Police will also use drones for the crowd management, he informed and said motorcycles with GPS system will accompany the palanquins so that the citizens will get live updates about the location of the palanquins.

Special attention will be paid to chain-snatchers and pickpockets in Wari, for this, joint teams of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Rural Police have been formed, he said.

Jt CP Karnik further said that since the heat wave is on, coordination will be done with the Health department officials of the Pune Municipal Corporation.

DCP (Crime) Zende added, “To ensure women’s safety and prevent incidents such as chain snatching and pickpocketing, special teams of the Crime Branch have been appointed.”

“The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) will thoroughly check the entire palanquin route and stay areas. In addition to that, Quick Response Teams (QRT) have been deployed at crowded and important locations,” he added.