The Ashadhi Wari is an annual pilgrimage in Maharashtra, India, which begins in the month of June and is characterized by heavy rainfall reminiscent of the monsoon season. Devotees, equipped with umbrellas to shield themselves from the rain, embark on a journey to seek the darshan (sight) of Lord Vitthal, also known as Vithoba, in Pandharpur. The culmination of the pilgrimage takes place at the end of the month of June and is known as Ashadhi Wari.
Ashadhi Wari is a significant religious and cultural tradition in Maharashtra. It is a collective procession that originates from various villages across Maharashtra and converges in Pandharpur. The pilgrimage takes place twice a year, in the months of Ashadha and Kartik, on auspicious Ekadashi days (the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight).
The palanquins carrying the padukas (footwear) of Sant Dnyaneshwar from Alandi and Sant Tukaram from Dehu are placed in chariots and taken along the route to Pandharpur. These saints, including Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Eknath, and Sant Tukaram, hold great significance in the tradition of the pilgrimage.
This year, on June 29, Devshayani Ekadashi, the Dehu Temple authorities have released the schedule for the pilgrimage. It marks the 338th year of the Palkhi Sohala. The departure of the palanquins will take place on the 10th day of the pilgrimage. On June 28, the palanquins will enter Pandharpur. The entire journey will span 19 days.
Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Sohala 2023
On June 10th, the procession of the Palkhi (palanquin) will commence.
The first halt will be at Inamdar Wada.
June 11th: Akluj
June 12th: Nanarapeth
June 13th: Nanarapeth, Vitthal Temple
June 14th: Lonikalbhor
June 15th: Yavat
June 16th: Varvand
June 17th: Undavadi Gavalyachi
June 18th: Baramati
June 19th: Sanasar
June 20th: Athurne, where the first wrestling match and competition will take place.
June 21st: Nimnagav Ketaki
June 22nd: Indapur, the second wrestling match and competition
June 23rd: Sarati
June 24th: Nira Snan (holy bath) and the third wrestling match and competition in Akaluj
June 25th: Malinagar, the first pole-climbing event, followed by the Palkhi arrival in Borgaon at night.
June 26th: Morning run and evening Palkhi arrival in Kuroli.
June 27th: Bajirav Vihir for pole-climbing and Vakhari for Palkhi arrival.
June 28th: Palkhi arrival in Pandharpur through Vakhari.
In the afternoon, there will be pole-climbing, followed by the Palkhi Sohala at the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Temple in Pandharpur.
On Wednesday, June 29th, the Palkhi will start its journey from the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan Temple.
From June 29th to July 3rd, the Palkhi Sohala will continue at the newly constructed building of the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan. Then, the return journey will commence.
On July 13th, the Palkhi will reach Dehu for the Visarjan (culmination) ceremony.
Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Sohala 2023
Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s Paduka Palkhi, along with grandeur, prosperity, and celebration, continues the tradition of taking the holy procession to Pandharpur. Today, it has attained even more glory.
The complete schedule of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s Palkhi:
June 11th: Departure from Alandi towards Pandharpur.
June 12th: Bhavani Peth, Pune.
June 13th: Pune.
June 14th: Saswad.
June 15th: Saswad.
June 16th: Jejuri.
June 17th: Wale.
June 18th: Lonand.
June 19th: Lonand.
June 20th: Tardgaav.
June 21st: Phaltan (Airport).
June 22nd: Barad.
June 23rd: Natepute.
June 24th: Malshiras.
June 25th: Velapur.
June 26th: Bhandishegaon.
June 27th: Vakhari.
June 28th: Pandharpur.
June 29th: Ashadhi Vari (Culmination) in Pandharpur.
Please note that the dates mentioned above are subject to change and should be verified from reliable sources before planning any participation or attendance.
