The city of Pune is gearing up to welcome the annual Wari ‘palkhis’ of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, as they make their way to Pandharpur for the Ashadi Ekadashi festival. This procession is considered to be one of the largest in the country and is steeped in historical tradition. The spectacle is set to attract tourists from all over India, as well as from abroad.
The procession is led by the Warkaris, who travel barefoot and steadily increase in number as they journey towards their final destination. The palanquins are flanked by large crowds, creating a grand spectacle that infuses the city with a vibrant atmosphere.
Around eight lakh devotees are expected to participate in this year’s ‘palkhi’ ceremony. For this reason, the city police have deployed around 7,000 personnel for security reasons. Senior officers and constables will accompany the ‘palkhis’ and keep a close watch on criminals and anti-social elements.
Traffic in the city, as well as on highways leading to the city, will be impacted during the procession. Alternative routes will be provided for motorists. Drones will be used for crowd management, and motorcycles with GPS systems will accompany the palanquins, providing live updates about their location to citizens.
Special attention will be paid to chain-snatchers and pickpockets in Wari. Joint teams of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Rural Police have been formed for this purpose. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad will thoroughly check the entire palanquin route and stay areas. Quick Response Teams have been deployed at crowded and important locations.
The heat wave is a concern, and coordination will be done with the Health department officials of the Pune Municipal Corporation. To ensure women’s safety and prevent incidents such as chain-snatching and pickpocketing, special teams of the Crime Branch have been appointed.
As the Warkaris make their way through the city, representatives from 37 countries will arrive in Pune for the G20 conference. The police are taking all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration of this historical tradition.
Overall, this year’s ‘palkhi’ ceremony is expected to be a grand spectacle that will fill the city with joy, enthusiasm, and devotion.
