Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar 'palkhis' arrives in city

Pune, June 27 (UNI) In an atmosphere filled with devotion, the annual ''palkhi'' procession of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj arrived in the city today, as part of the annual pilgrimage to the temple town of Pandharpur.

Both the ''palkhis'' have reached Bhavani peth from where they will proceed further on June 29 to Pandharpur. Thousands of ''warkaris'' (pilgrims), have arrived here from all over Maharashtra and neighbouring states, with the procession, to participate in the 323 year old religious programme.

The ''warkaris'', carrying ''mrudangs'', ''veenas'', cymbals and saffron flags, chanted ''Dnyoba Tukaram'' and ''Jai Hari Vitthal'' during the procession.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made provisions, including 24 hrs drinking water supply and free health service for the pilgrims. The civic hospitals in the city will also remain open for 24 hrs during this period. The Corporation has also started control rooms at the Bhawani Peth area, to cater to procession - related issues, a PMC officials said here today.

The traffic on several roads in the city has been diverted to facilitate the movement of the procession, traffic control room informed here today. Meanwhile, city police have made elaborate security arrangements to tackle any kind of eventuality.

UNI SP RN RL AS1839