Palkhi (Ashadhi Wari)
Every year the palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram pass through Pune with lakhs of Varkaris walking to Pandharpur.
Quick facts
- Month:
- June or July
- From:
- Alandi and Dehu
- To:
- Pandharpur, for Ashadhi Ekadashi
The wari
The wari is a walking pilgrimage of the Varkari tradition that goes back many centuries. Every year the palkhi (palanquin) carrying the padukas of Sant Dnyaneshwar sets out from Alandi, and that of Sant Tukaram from Dehu. Lakhs of Varkaris walk with them for about three weeks to reach Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi.
The palkhis in Pune
Both palkhis come into Pune and stay in the city for two nights: Sant Tukaram's at the Vithoba temple in Nana Peth and Sant Dnyaneshwar's at the Palkhi Vithoba temple in Bhavani Peth. People line the roads to welcome them, and many organisations serve food and water to the Varkaris.
Joining the wari
- Many Punekars walk with the palkhi for one day, often from Pune to Saswad or Hadapsar.
- Traffic is changed on the palkhi route. Check the police notices for the dates.
More in Festivals of Pune
- Gudi Padwa The Marathi New Year, when every home raises a gudi and the city celebrates with processions.
- Navratri and Dasara Nine nights of the goddess, with the Chaturshrungi fair, garba and dandiya, ending in Dasara.
- Diwali The festival of lights: lamps, kandils, rangoli, faral and shopping crowds on Laxmi Road.
- Shiv Jayanti The birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, celebrated on 19 February with processions and programmes.
- Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav One of India's most important classical music festivals, held in Pune every December since 1953.
- Christmas and Eid in Camp The Camp area celebrates both festivals in style: midnight mass and plum cakes at Christmas, and the lanes around East Street on Eid.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.