Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari 2026: Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Procession To Commence From Alandi On July 8; Check Full Timetable Here

The uncertainty surrounding the Pune halt of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari Palkhi procession for 2026 has finally been resolved. The Sansthan Committee confirmed that the traditional stay of the palkhi will continue at Shri Vitthal Mandir in Bhawani Peth, Pune, after the district administration submitted written assurances regarding crowd management and infrastructure improvements. Discussions had intensified in recent weeks about shifting the palkhi halt to Pune Racecourse because of increasing crowds, lack of space, and inconvenience faced by devotees. However, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi addressed these concerns through an official communication sent to Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari Palkhi Sohala chief Adv. Rajendra Umap, bringing clarity to the issue.

In a letter dated May 25, 2026, the district administration stated that measures were already underway to improve facilities around the temple area for the Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari 2026 pilgrimage. Authorities have initiated the process of acquiring three nearby private properties to manage the growing influx of devotees during the annual procession. Work to remove encroachments near the temple has also begun, while a new access road is being developed to ease movement around the palkhi route. Officials further informed that electric poles obstructing the path would be relocated soon. The Pune Municipal Corporation has reportedly intensified anti-encroachment operations to ensure that the grand religious event takes place smoothly without disruptions or safety concerns.

The proposal to shift the Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari 2026 palkhi halt from Bhawani Peth to the Racecourse grounds had been under discussion since 2010 due to recurring problems such as overcrowding, insufficient parking facilities, and devotees facing harsh weather conditions while waiting in queues for darshan. Against this backdrop, the Sansthan Committee had even cancelled a scheduled meeting on April 13, 2026. The issue was eventually addressed through the intervention of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol, and MLA Hemant Rasane. The Pune Municipal Corporation has allocated ₹10 crore for the required development works and assured that the necessary land acquisition process will be completed by May 31.

The Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari Palkhi procession will depart from Alandi on July 8, 2026, at 3 PM. The palkhi will halt at Bhawani Peth in Pune on July 9 and 10. During a meeting held on Wednesday, May 13, the Sansthan Committee formally approved the administration’s assurances regarding arrangements for the Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari 2026 pilgrimage. Several dignitaries attended the meeting, including Palkhi Sohala chief Adv. Rajendra Umap, chief trustee Bhavarth Dekhne, trustee Chaitanya Maharaj Londhe, Adv. Rohini Pawar, Palkhi Sohala owner Rajendra Arphalkar, Dindi Samaj president Bhau Maharaj Gosavi, and manager Mauli Veer. The committee expressed confidence that the administration would complete all pending work before the procession reaches Pune.

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Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari 2026: Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Sohala Schedule