Chariots of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram arrive in Pune

Pune, Jul 9 (UNI) Lakhs of devotees converged in the city to welcome the flower-bedecked palkhis (chariots) of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram as the annual pilgrimage from the holy Alandi to the pilgrim town of Pandharpur for ''darshan'' of Lord Pandurang on 'Ashadi Ekadashi' began here today.

Earlier, the Palkhi of Sant Tukaram from Dehu reached Alandi and after a day's halt, both the palkhis started for Pune this morning.

Chanting 'abhangs', the Hari Path and chants of 'Pandurang' and 'Vithal Vithal', the devotees arrived in the city from different parts of the State.

After, a couple of days halt here, the ''warkaris'' (devotees on foot) will begin their pilgrimage to Pandharpur.

Security arrangements have been tight and police has diverted traffic on major roads of the city for the smooth flow of the palkhi procession. Arrangements for the stay and meals of the pilgrims have been made in schools, halls and at different places by social workers, NGO's and by the administration for the 15-day pilgrimage.

UNI