Road Widening Work at Dive Ghat Poses Challenges for Dnyaneshwar Palkhi Procession; Devotees Raise Safety Concerns

Xtreme News India   11-07-2026 21:53:34   295983251

Road Widening Work at Dive Ghat Poses Challenges for Dnyaneshwar Palkhi Procession; Devotees Raise Safety Concerns

Pune, July 11 (Special Correspondent): The annual Palkhi procession of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Muktabai encountered significant difficulties while passing through Dive Ghat on Saturday, with ongoing road widening work causing major disruptions to the centuries-old pilgrimage. Warkaris expressed concern over the condition of the route and criticised the administration for inadequate planning and safety arrangements.

Excavated stretches, uneven roads and unsafe conditions along the hillside made the steep ascent particularly challenging for thousands of devotees, volunteers and support teams accompanying the procession. Several Warkaris said the poor state of the road forced them to negotiate hazardous terrain, while police personnel also faced a demanding task in managing the large crowds under difficult conditions.

Amid the hardships, devotees witnessed a striking atmospheric phenomenon near Wadki village on the Pune-Saswad Road, where a bright circular ring appeared around the sun. The rare spectacle briefly halted the procession as many pilgrims stopped to photograph and record the event.

Meteorologists identified the phenomenon as a Solar Halo, a natural optical effect caused when sunlight is refracted through microscopic ice crystals suspended in high-altitude cirrostratus clouds. Experts said such halos are often associated with changing weather patterns and may sometimes precede cloudy conditions or rainfall within the next 24 to 48 hours. However, they clarified that the appearance of a solar halo does not scientifically indicate that rainfall is certain.

Despite the challenging conditions, a long-standing tradition continued at Dive Ghat. To reduce the strain on the ceremonial bulls that pull the Palkhi chariot during the steep climb, farmers from Wadki village once again volunteered their own pairs of bulls to assist the procession. The villagers prepare their animals throughout the year for this service, considering it a privilege and an act of devotion to support the sacred journey.

Devotees also highlighted the deteriorated condition of several stretches between Hadapsar and Dive Ghat, alleging that the ongoing construction had created avoidable hardships. Many questioned whether authorities would act only after a serious accident occurred and urged the administration to ensure better coordination of infrastructure projects along the pilgrimage route.

Warkaris stressed that development works should be planned with greater sensitivity, keeping in mind the safety of lakhs of pilgrims and the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the annual Wari. At several locations, devotees were forced to climb over large mounds of earth to continue their journey.

Despite the obstacles, the Palkhi procession proceeded towards Pandharpur in accordance with the discipline and traditions established by Haibat Baba, with devotees reaffirming their faith and determination to complete the pilgrimage. They expressed hope that authorities would adopt better planning and implement adequate safety measures to prevent similar difficulties during future editions of the Wari.