Pandharpur Palkhi 2025 – Complete Guide to the Divine Journey🚩
The Pandharpur Palkhi is not just a religious event—it’s a spiritual phenomenon that binds millions of devotees through faith, tradition, and community. Every year, thousands join this pilgrimage on foot, heading toward Pandharpur, the holy abode of Lord Vitthal in Maharashtra. If you’re planning to witness or participate in the 2025 Pandharpur Wari, here’s your updated guide with all the essential travel and local information.
What is the Pandharpur Palkhi?
The Pandharpur Palkhi Yatra is a centuries-old tradition where devotees, called Warkaris, carry the symbolic paduka (footwear) of saints like Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram to the Vitthal temple in Pandharpur. The yatra culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi, which in 2025 falls on Sunday, July 6.
The main palkhis depart from:
- Alandi (Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi)
- Dehu (Sant Tukaram Palkhi)
These processions cover over 200 km on foot and pass through various towns and villages before reaching Pandharpur.
Pandharpur Palkhi 2025: Key Dates and Schedule
The Pandharpur Wari for 2025 will culminate on Ashadhi Ekadashi, which falls on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
Two main Palkhis (palanquins) lead the Wari:
- Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi (from Dehu):
- Departure from Dehu: June 18, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Arrival in Pandharpur: July 5, 2025 (Saturday)
- Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi (from Alandi):
- Departure from Alandi: June 19, 2025 (Thursday)
- Arrival in Pandharpur: July 5, 2025 (Saturday)
Day-Wise Schedule Highlights (Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi):
- June 19: Departure from Alandi
- June 20: Alandi to Pune
- June 21: Rest in Pune
- June 22: Pune to Saswad
- June 23: Rest in Saswad
- June 24: Saswad to Jejuri
- June 25: Jejuri to Valhe
- June 26: Valhe to Lonand
- June 27: Lonand to Taradgaon
- June 28: Taradgaon to Phaltan
- June 29: Phaltan to Barad
- June 30: Barad to Natepute
- July 1: Natepute to Malshiras
- July 2: Malshiras to Velapur
- July 3: Velapur to Bhandishegaon
- July 4: Bhandishegaon to Wakhri
- July 5: Wakhri to Pandharpur (Arrival)
- July 6: Ashadhi Ekadashi – Darshan in Pandharpur
- July 10: Gopal Kala and Return Journey Begins
(Please note: Schedules are subject to minor changes. It’s always advisable to check local announcements closer to the date.)
How to Reach Pandharpur?
By Train
Pandharpur has a railway station (station code: PVR) well-connected to:
- Pune
- Solapur
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- Latur
During the Palkhi, special trains are often run by Indian Railways. Book in advance as tickets get sold out quickly.
By Road
- From Pune: ~210 km (via Solapur highway) – 5-6 hrs by car/bus
- From Mumbai: ~380 km – 8-9 hrs
- From Solapur: ~70 km – 2 hrs
MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) operates special buses from all major cities during the yatra period.
Looking for a comfortable ride from Pune? Book a Pune to Pandharpur Pickup & Drop Cab Service for a safe, private, and hassle-free journey—perfect for families, senior citizens, or small groups of devotees.
By Air
The nearest airports are:
- Solapur Airport (limited connectivity)
- Pune International Airport (200+ km away)
- Kolhapur Airport (180+ km)
Where to Stay in Pandharpur?
Accommodation during Ashadhi Ekadashi is limited and in high demand. Options include:
- Dharamshalas and Maths – Basic lodging for Warkaris and devotees
- Budget Hotels – Available near the bus stand and railway station
- Mid-range Hotels – Book at least 2-3 months in advance
- Local Homestays – Check online listings or ask locals
Tip: If you’re not walking in the Palkhi and only visiting Pandharpur, consider arriving a few days early to avoid the crowd surge.
Food and Facilities
- Free meals (maha prasad) are offered by various mathas and volunteer organizations
- Roadside food stalls serve simple Maharashtrian meals—poha, upma, khichdi, bhakri-pithla
- Carry personal water bottles and basic medicines as hygiene can vary
Key Places to Visit in Pandharpur
- Vitthal Rukmini Mandir – Main temple, expect long queues during yatra
- Chandrabhaga River Ghat – Sacred riverbank, ideal for a holy dip
- Pundalik Mandir – Dedicated to the great devotee of Vitthal
- Gopalpur – Associated with the legend of Lord Krishna’s appearance
Local Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Wear comfortable footwear and traditional attire if joining the Palkhi
- Use sunscreen, headcover, and hydration packs—June-July is hot and humid
- Respect the rituals and pace of the Warkaris; don’t rush or push
- Photography is allowed, but avoid during prayers or inside sanctum
- Avoid plastics – Pandharpur is increasingly eco-conscious
What to Pack for the Yatra?
- Lightweight cotton clothes
- Reusable water bottle
- First aid kit
- Power bank
- Raincoat/Umbrella (July is monsoon season!)
- ID proofs and emergency contacts
Did You Know?
- Over 10 lakh devotees participate each year in the Wari
- The Warkaris chant “Gyanba-Tukaram” and dance to the rhythm of taal and mridang
- The palkhi tradition is over 800 years old and is recognized as a cultural heritage of Maharashtra
Useful Contacts and Resources
- MSRTC Enquiry: https://www.msrtc.maharashtra.gov.in
- IRCTC for train bookings: https://www.irctc.co.in
- Official Pandharpur Palkhi App: Available on Google Play Store (check for 2025 update)
- Local Police Helpline: 100
- Medical Emergency: 108
Planning Your Journey to Pandharpur – Make It Peaceful and Purposeful
Whether you walk as a Warkari or witness the palkhi from the sidelines, the Pandharpur Yatra offers a once-in-a-lifetime blend of spirituality, culture, and community energy. From making early bookings to planning your route, a little preparation goes a long way in enhancing your experience.
Book your Pickup & Drop Cab Service with Aj Travels in advance and travel with complete peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for a bus on rent, a car on rent, or a tempo traveller on rent, Aj Travels ensures a smooth and devotional journey to Vitthal’s abode. 🙏✨
