City echoes with chants of Sai; grand welcome to Nagpur–Shirdi palkhi

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The city resonated with chants of “Om Sai Ram” as the Nagpur–Shirdi palkhi procession, along with a rath yatra, arrived on Sunday evening amid a shower of flowers. In a devotional atmosphere at a hotel premises on Jalna Road, the padukas of Sai Baba of Shirdi were worshipped and a grand maha aarti was performed, drawing large crowds of devotees.

Now in its 19th year, the padayatra has around 330 devotees of all age groups participating. Saints and dignitaries present included Swami Baldeo Bharati, Atul Maharaj Adamane, Krishna Maharaj Argade, Navnath Maharaj Andhale, deputy mayor Rajendra Janjal, organiser Pankaj Mahajan, and Radhakrishna Gaikwad. Sumitra Mhatre, Anita Mankape, and Ankita Vidhate were also present. Devotees later partook in mahaprasad in an orderly manner.

New energy

The welcome of the flower-decorated rath was organised by Sunil Ingle and his group. The event continued till late night with traditional instruments and devotional songs. Organiser Pankaj Mahajan said the journey began from Nagpur on March 7 and will culminate at Shirdi on Ram Navami, with 20 halts completed so far. Participants said they are drawing renewed energy for the journey on foot.