Wari 2024: After last year’s scuffle, authorities to be more careful during prasthan at Alandi temple

Last year, during the prasthan ceremony of the palanquin at Alandi temple, a scuffle had broken out after a section of devotees tried to forcefully enter the temple without having the authorisation.

The Pune Municipal Corporation has also started preparations in full swing to welcome the annual Palkhi procession on June 30. (File photo)

In view of the commotion that took place during the prasthan of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palanquin last year, the local administration and the temple trust have taken additional measures to ensure smooth take off of the annual pilgrimage from the temples in the twin towns of Alandi and Dehu this year.

Last year, during the prasthan ceremony of the palanquin at Alandi temple, a scuffle had broken out after a section of devotees tried to forcefully enter the temple without having the authorisation.

Dyanesh Veer of the Alandi Devasthan said, “What happened last year was not a lathicharge. Some students tried to enter the temple premises without permission, and a light scuffle ensued. None of the pilgrims were involved in it.”

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On being asked about the precautions to be taken this year, he said, “This year, nothing of the sort will happen as we have kept the maximum number of warkaris in the dindhis to be 90. We have made necessary arrangements with the police and local authorities. We will issue identity cards for each warkari. Wari is an old tradition; all the warkaris respect and follow the rules. The outsiders who do not understand the traditions create problems. We will definitely be more careful this year.”

Bhanudas More of the Dehu Devastan said, “The procession is meticulously planned and timed. We give separate timings to different people. We do not call the VIP people when the warkaris are here to avoid any trouble. Unlike Alandi, we have a lot of space, so the warkaris are not left crowding a small area. We take enough precautions to avoid any scuffles or lathicharges to occur in Dehu.”

The Pune Municipal Corporation has also started preparations in full swing to welcome the annual Palkhi procession on June 30. Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale met with civic officials on Saturday, June 8, and asked them to speed up the process. The PMC has spent almost 20 crore on the palkhi arrangements.

According to the officials, the sanitation department will erect public toilets with access to clean water and electricity (1,500 on the Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi Marg, 1,000 for Sant Tukaram Marg and 200 for Sant Sopan Maharaj Palkhi Marg.) The PMC will provide adequate clean drinking water for the pilgrims. The health department will erect about 250 temporary health check-up points. The Hirkani Kaksh will be set up for lactating women and children.

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Nearly 3,000 health kits will be distributed among the pilgrims, including medicines for basic illnesses like cold, stomach aches, headaches, etc.

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