Pune: After a five-year interval, the holy sandals (Padukas) of Sant Tukaram Maharaj were given a royal bath in the waters of the Neera River.
Following this, a grand worship ceremony (Mahapuja) and community prayer (Samaj Aarti) were conducted. After completing their final halt in Sarati, Pune district, the palanquin procession (Palkhi) began its journey towards Akluj in Solapur district, witnessed by millions of devotees. The Pune district administration bid farewell to the procession in a devotional atmosphere.
At 4 AM, a pre-dawn Aarti was performed for Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s Palkhi at the Sarati halt. Following this, the Padukas were worshipped by the villagers in four separate ceremonies.
At 7 AM, the Padukas were bathed in Neera River water by Purushottam More Maharaj and his associates, continuing the tradition. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the Mahapuja and Samaj Aarti conducted on the riverbank.
The Padukas were then placed in the District Council School in Sarati for devotees and pilgrims to offer their respects.
Prominent officials including Additional Superintendent of Police Sanjay Jadhav, Chief Executive Officer Santosh Patil, Appasaheb Gujar, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Dr. Sudarshan Rathod, Tehsildar Shrikant Patil, and others, along with village heads, paid their respects and officially bid farewell to the Padukas from Pune district.
The procession organizers honored the administrative officers and staff with traditional turbans, shawls, and coconut offerings.
Prayers for Rain
Despite entering Solapur district from Pune district, the state’s reservoirs remain dry due to the lack of rain even after the first week of July. Farmers and devotees have prayed to Pandurang for rainfall, hoping for relief from the drought conditions.
Warm Welcome in Solapur
At 8 AM, the Palkhi procession crossed the Neera River bridge into Solapur district, accompanied by millions of devotees chanting praises. It was welcomed at the district border with a cannon salute by MP Dhairysheel Mohite Patil, District Collector Kumar Ashirwad, CEO Manisha Avhale, District Superintendent of Police Shirish Sardeshpande, and others.
The grand ceremonial circle (Ringan) was conducted in the grounds of Sadashivrao Mane School, marking the beginning of the procession’s journey through Solapur district.