Palkhi Schedule 2026: Pandharpur Wari Dates

Every year, in the month of Ashadh, Maharashtra witnesses one of the largest and oldest walking pilgrimages on earth, the Pandharpur Wari. Lakhs of devotees, called Warkaris, walk hundreds of kilometres on foot to reach the holy town of Pandharpur, the home of Lord Vitthal (Vithoba) and Goddess Rukmini.

This guide brings you the complete Palkhi Schedule 2026 with the departure dates, daily routes, night halts and arrival dates for all the major Palkhi and Dindi processions. Whether you plan to walk the full journey or join for a single day, this page will help you plan your Pandharpur Wari 2026 with confidence.

Bookmark this page. We update it the moment each sansthan announces new dates.

Palkhi Schedule 2026: Confirmed Dates at a Glance

Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026: Saturday, 25 July 2026
Sant Tukaram Palkhi departs Dehu: 7 July 2026 (341st Ashadhi Wari)
Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi departs Alandi: 8 July 2026 (around 3:00 PM)
Sant Nivruttinath Palkhi departs Trimbakeshwar: around 29 June 2026
Ringan ceremonies: 16 July and 20 July 2026
Main Palkhis arrive Pandharpur: 24 July 2026

What Is the Pandharpur Wari?

The word "Wari" means a regular, repeated pilgrimage. A person who undertakes it is a "Warkari." For over 700 years, Warkaris have walked from all corners of Maharashtra to Pandharpur to have darshan of Lord Vitthal on Ashadhi Ekadashi.

The heart of the Wari is the Palkhi, a beautifully decorated palanquin that carries the paduka (silver footwear) of a revered saint. The Palkhi travels the same route the saint is believed to have walked and thousands of Warkaris walk behind it singing abhangs (devotional songs) and chanting "Vitthal Vitthal Jai Hari Vitthal."

Here is what makes the Wari special:

No caste, no class. Rich and poor, young and old walk together as equals.
Discipline in motion. Each group of Warkaris is called a Dindi and every Dindi has a fixed place in the procession.
Ringan ceremonies. At certain villages, a decorated horse runs through the crowd in a ritual called Ringan, one of the most joyful moments of the Wari.
Devotion above comfort. Warkaris sleep in fields, temples and schools, and share whatever food they carry.

Why Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 Matters

The entire Wari is timed to reach Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, the most important day for Vitthal devotees.

Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 date: Saturday, 25 July 2026.
The main Palkhis are expected to arrive in Pandharpur on 24 July 2026, one day before Ekadashi.
The famous Ringan ceremonies for 2026 are scheduled for 16 July and 20 July.

On Ashadhi Ekadashi, devotees fast, take a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga River and pray for Lord Vitthal's blessings. It is believed that a darshan on this day washes away sins and fulfils sincere wishes.

Palkhi Schedule 2026: Quick Comparison Table

Here is a quick overview of all the Palkhis and Dindis covered in this guide.

Palkhi / Dindi	Saint	Starting Place	District	Approx. Distance	Journey Duration
Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi	Sant Dnyaneshwar	Alandi	Pune	~250 km	~17 to 21 days
Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi	Sant Tukaram	Dehu	Pune	~230 km	~17 to 21 days
Sant Eknath Maharaj Palkhi	Sant Eknath	Paithan	Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar	~280 to 300 km	~22 to 25 days
Sant Muktabai Palkhi	Sant Muktabai	Muktainagar (Kothali)	Jalgaon	~700 to 750 km	~30 to 33 days
Sant Sopandev Maharaj Palkhi	Sant Sopandev	Saswad	Pune	~150 km	~14 to 17 days
Sant Nivruttinath Maharaj Palkhi	Sant Nivruttinath	Trimbakeshwar	Nashik	~380 to 400 km	~24 to 27 days
Sant Janabai Palkhi	Sant Janabai	Gangakhed	Parbhani	~230 to 250 km	~11 to 14 days
Sant Chokhamela Dindi	Sant Chokhamela	Mangalwedha	Solapur	~25 to 50 km	~3 to 5 days

Distances are approximate walking distances and vary slightly by route each year.

The Eight Palkhis & Dindis of Wari 2026

Below, each procession is introduced with its history, starting location, associated saint and spiritual significance, followed by its schedule. Where a sansthan has not yet released an official 2026 date, a clearly marked placeholder is left so this page can be updated.

1. Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi from Alandi

Associated saint: Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj (Mauli) · Starting location: Alandi, Pune district

Sant Dnyaneshwar, lovingly called "Mauli" (mother), was a 13th-century saint and poet-philosopher. At a very young age he wrote the Dnyaneshwari, a Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita that made spiritual wisdom available to the common people. He took sanjeevan samadhi at Alandi. The tradition of carrying his paduka in a Palkhi to Pandharpur was formally started by Haibatraobaba Arphalkar in the early 19th century.

Spiritual significance: The Dnyaneshwar Palkhi is the largest and most famous procession of the Wari. Being with "Mauli" is, for Warkaris, like walking beside their own mother. Its Ringan ceremonies are world-famous.

Departure Date: 8 July 2026 (leaves the Samadhi Temple, Alandi, around 3:00 PM)
Daily Route (main halts): Alandi → Pune → Saswad → Jejuri → Walhe → Lonand → Taradgaon → Phaltan → Barad → Natepute → Malshiras → Velapur → Wakhari → Pandharpur
Night Halts: Pune (9 to 10 July), Saswad, Jejuri, Walhe, Lonand, Taradgaon, Phaltan, Barad, Natepute, Malshiras, Velapur, Wakhari (exact 2026 halt dates: to be updated from the Alandi Devasthan timetable)
Ringan Ceremonies: 16 July and 20 July 2026
Arrival at Pandharpur: 24 July 2026 (Ashadhi Ekadashi: 25 July 2026)
Distance Covered: ~250 km
Google Maps: route map coming soon
Download PDF: official timetable PDF coming soon

2. Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi from Dehu

Associated saint: Sant Tukaram Maharaj · Starting location: Dehu, Pune district

Sant Tukaram was a 17th-century saint and poet whose abhangs are sung across Maharashtra even today. Born in Dehu on the banks of the Indrayani River, he taught devotion (bhakti) in simple, powerful words that ordinary people could understand. The 2026 procession is the 341st Ashadhi Wari of the Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi.

Spiritual significance: The Tukaram Palkhi represents pure bhakti, love for God without ego. On the second day, the first ceremonial aarti is traditionally performed at the dargah of Sufi saint Angadshah Baba, a beautiful symbol of Maharashtra's shared spiritual heritage.

Departure Date: 7 July 2026 (leaves the main temple complex, Dehu)
Daily Route (main halts): Dehu → Akurdi → Pune → Loni Kalbhor → Yavat → Varvand → Baramati → Indapur → Akluj → Borgaon → Pirachi Kuroli → Wakhari → Pandharpur
Night Halts: Akurdi, Pune, Loni Kalbhor, Yavat, Varvand, Baramati, Indapur, Akluj, Borgaon, Wakhari (exact 2026 halt dates: to be updated from the Dehu Sansthan timetable)
Ringan Ceremonies: 16 July and 20 July 2026
Arrival at Pandharpur: 24 July 2026 (Ashadhi Ekadashi: 25 July 2026)
Distance Covered: ~230 km
Google Maps: route map coming soon
Download PDF: official timetable PDF coming soon

3. Sant Eknath Maharaj Palkhi from Paithan

Associated saint: Sant Eknath Maharaj · Starting location: Paithan, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) district

Sant Eknath was a 16th-century saint, scholar and social reformer from Paithan on the banks of the Godavari. He wrote the Eknathi Bhagwat and worked hard against caste discrimination, welcoming everyone to the path of devotion. His Palkhi leaves the Nath Mandir at Paithan.

Spiritual significance: The Eknath Palkhi carries the message of seva (service) and equality. It travels a long distance from Marathwada, gathering Warkaris from many villages along the way before joining the great gathering at Pandharpur.

Departure Date: to be updated (traditionally departs on Jyeshtha Vadya Saptami; early July 2026 expected)
Daily Route (indicative): Paithan → Shevgaon → Ashti → Beed → Chincholi → Kalamb → Barshi → Kurduwadi → Wakhari → Pandharpur
Night Halts: to be updated from the Sant Eknath Sansthan
Arrival at Pandharpur: expected around 24 July 2026
Distance Covered: ~280 to 300 km
Google Maps: route map coming soon
Download PDF: official timetable PDF coming soon

4. Sant Muktabai Palkhi from Muktainagar

Associated saint: Sant Muktabai (Muktai) · Starting location: Muktainagar (Kothali temple), Jalgaon district

Sant Muktabai was the youngest of the four saintly siblings: Nivruttinath, Dnyaneshwar, Sopandev and Muktabai. Despite her young age, she was known for her deep wisdom and is remembered for calming her brother Dnyaneshwar with the famous "Taatiche Abhang." Her Palkhi starts from Muktainagar (Kothali) in Khandesh.

Spiritual significance: The Muktabai Palkhi undertakes one of the longest journeys of the Wari, around 700 to 750 km. It represents feminine spiritual power and the idea that true wisdom has no age.

Departure Date: to be updated (because of the long distance, it usually starts in late June; expected end-June 2026)
Daily Route (indicative): Muktainagar → Jalgaon → Jamner → Aurangabad region → Beed → Kalamb → Barshi → Kurduwadi → Pandharpur
Night Halts: to be updated from the Sant Muktai Sansthan
Arrival at Pandharpur: expected around 24 July 2026
Distance Covered: ~700 to 750 km
Google Maps: route map coming soon
Download PDF: official timetable PDF coming soon

5. Sant Sopandev Maharaj Palkhi from Saswad

Associated saint: Sant Sopandev (Sopankaka) · Starting location: Saswad, Pune district

Sant Sopandev was younger than Sant Dnyaneshwar and Nivruttinath but elder to Muktabai. He took samadhi at Saswad, where his temple stands today. Devotees lovingly call him "Sopankaka."

Spiritual significance: The Sopandev Palkhi is deeply connected to the Dnyaneshwar family of saints. Interestingly, the great Dnyaneshwar Palkhi also passes through Saswad, making the town a very special stop in the Wari.

Departure Date: to be updated (early July 2026 expected)
Daily Route (indicative): Saswad → Jejuri → Walhe → Lonand → Phaltan → Natepute → Malshiras → Velapur → Wakhari → Pandharpur
Night Halts: to be updated from the Sant Sopandev Sansthan
Arrival at Pandharpur: expected around 24 July 2026
Distance Covered: ~150 km
Google Maps: route map coming soon
Download PDF: official timetable PDF coming soon

6. Sant Nivruttinath Maharaj Palkhi from Trimbakeshwar

Associated saint: Sant Nivruttinath Maharaj · Starting location: Trimbakeshwar, Nashik district

Sant Nivruttinath was the eldest of the four saintly siblings and the spiritual guru of Sant Dnyaneshwar. He received the sacred Nath tradition and passed this knowledge to his younger brother, who then wrote the Dnyaneshwari. He took samadhi at Trimbakeshwar, near the source of the Godavari.

Spiritual significance: As the guru of Mauli, Nivruttinath holds a very high place among the Warkari saints. His Palkhi begins near one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, giving it added spiritual weight.

Departure Date: around 29 June 2026 (departs early because of the long ~400 km distance)
Daily Route (indicative): Trimbakeshwar → Nashik → Sinnar → Sangamner → Ahmednagar → Shrigonda → Daund → Indapur → Akluj → Pandharpur
Night Halts: to be updated from the Sant Nivruttinath Sansthan
Arrival at Pandharpur: expected around 24 July 2026
Distance Covered: ~380 to 400 km
Google Maps: route map coming soon
Download PDF: official timetable PDF coming soon

7. Sant Janabai Palkhi from Gangakhed

Associated saint: Sant Janabai · Starting location: Gangakhed, Parbhani district

Sant Janabai was a 13th to 14th century poet-saint and a devoted follower in the household of Sant Namdev. Born in Gangakhed on the banks of the Godavari, she wrote hundreds of abhangs full of love for Vitthal, whom she treated like a close friend who helped her with daily chores.

Spiritual significance: The Janabai Palkhi is specially loved by women Warkaris. It stands for humility, hard work and the truth that God is present even in the smallest daily tasks.

Departure Date: to be updated (mid-July 2026 expected, around 13 to 14 July)
Daily Route (indicative): Gangakhed → Parli → Ambajogai → Latur region → Dharashiv (Osmanabad) → Tuljapur region → Pandharpur
Night Halts: to be updated from the Sant Janabai Sansthan
Arrival at Pandharpur: expected around 24 July 2026
Distance Covered: ~230 to 250 km
Google Maps: route map coming soon
Download PDF: official timetable PDF coming soon

8. Sant Chokhamela Dindi from Mangalwedha

Associated saint: Sant Chokhamela · Starting location: Mangalwedha, Solapur district

Sant Chokhamela was a 14th-century saint from Mangalwedha and a devoted follower of Lord Vitthal. He is remembered for his deep faith and his fight against caste discrimination. His samadhi lies at the foot of the steps of the Vitthal temple in Pandharpur.

Spiritual significance: The Chokhamela Dindi is a powerful reminder that devotion belongs to everyone, regardless of birth or status. As Mangalwedha is very close to Pandharpur, this is one of the shortest journeys of the Wari.

Departure Date: to be updated (a few days before Ashadhi Ekadashi; around 20 to 22 July 2026 expected)
Daily Route (short route): Mangalwedha → Bhose → Pandharpur
Night Halts: to be updated
Arrival at Pandharpur: expected around 24 July 2026
Distance Covered: ~25 to 50 km
Google Maps: route map coming soon
Download PDF: official timetable PDF coming soon

Tips for Devotees: How to Prepare for Wari 2026

Walking the Wari is a beautiful but demanding experience. Here is a practical checklist to keep you safe and comfortable.

What to Carry

A light backpack (5 to 7 kg maximum)
Two sets of comfortable cotton clothes
A raincoat or plastic sheet (July is monsoon season)
Sturdy slippers or walking shoes, plus one spare pair
A refillable water bottle
A torch or headlamp and a power bank
A small first-aid kit
Personal ID card (Aadhaar) and some cash
A pothi (Haripath / abhang book) if you sing along

Dress Code

Wear simple, modest cotton clothes.
Men often wear kurta-pyjama or dhoti; women wear sarees or salwar-kameez.
The traditional white Gandhi topi (cap) and tulsi mala are common but optional.
Choose light colours to stay cool and quick-drying fabric for the rain.

Health Precautions

Start walking practice at least 2 to 3 weeks before the Wari.
Carry personal medicines and a strip of ORS.
Keep your feet dry to avoid blisters; carry anti-blister tape.
Do not overexert. Walk at a steady, comfortable pace.
Senior citizens and heart/BP patients should consult a doctor first.

Food and Water

Drink only clean or boiled water; refill only from trusted points.
Carry dry snacks like chivda, ladoo, peanuts and jaggery.
Many Dindis and villages offer free mahaprasad, so accept it with gratitude.
Avoid heavy or oily roadside food to prevent stomach trouble.

Accommodation

Warkaris usually sleep in schools, temples, halls and open fields.
Larger Dindis arrange group tents and community halls.
If you want more comfort, book lodges in towns like Pune, Phaltan, Akluj or Pandharpur early, as rooms sell out fast during Wari.
Carry a light sleeping mat or bedsheet.

Mobile Apps & Emergency Contacts

Pune Police Palkhi Tracker for live Palkhi location and diversions.
Google Maps for offline route downloads.
Save these numbers before you leave: Police / Emergency: 112, Ambulance: 108 and your district's Wari control room.
Keep a written note of one family contact number in case your phone dies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the Palkhi Schedule 2026 for Pandharpur Wari?

The main Palkhis depart in early July 2026. The Sant Tukaram Palkhi leaves Dehu on 7 July 2026 and the Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi leaves Alandi on 8 July 2026. Both reach Pandharpur by 24 July, ahead of Ashadhi Ekadashi on 25 July 2026.

What is the date of Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026?

Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 falls on Saturday, 25 July 2026.

When does the Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi start in 2026?

The Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi departs from Alandi on 8 July 2026, around 3:00 PM from the Samadhi Temple.

When does the Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi start in 2026?

The Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi departs from Dehu on 7 July 2026. The 2026 procession is the 341st Ashadhi Wari.

How many days does the Wari take?

Most main Palkhis take about 17 to 21 days. Longer processions like the Muktabai Palkhi (around 750 km) can take 30 to 33 days.

How long is the walk from Alandi to Pandharpur?

The Dnyaneshwar Palkhi covers approximately 250 km from Alandi to Pandharpur.

Can anyone join the Wari?

Yes. The Wari is open to all. There is no caste, gender or age restriction. You can join for the full journey or just a few days.

What are the Ringan ceremonies and when are they in 2026?

Ringan is a joyful ritual where a horse runs through the crowd. In 2026, the main Ringan ceremonies are scheduled for 16 July and 20 July.

Is it safe to walk the Wari in the monsoon?

It rains during July, so carry rain protection. The route is well-managed with police, medical camps and volunteers, but take basic health precautions.

Where do Warkaris sleep during the Wari?

Warkaris rest in schools, temples, community halls and open fields at the fixed night halts of their Dindi.

Which is the longest Palkhi journey in the Wari?

The Sant Muktabai Palkhi from Muktainagar (Jalgaon) is one of the longest, covering roughly 700 to 750 km.

Where does the Nivruttinath Palkhi start and why does it leave early?

It starts from Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) around 29 June 2026 because it must cover nearly 400 km to reach Pandharpur in time.

Do I need to register to walk with a Dindi?

Formal registration is not required to walk, but if you want to travel with a specific Dindi for food and lodging, contact that Dindi's organisers in advance.

How do I track the Palkhi live?

Use the Pune Police Palkhi Tracker and official district portals for live location and route diversions.

Are the smaller Dindi dates confirmed for 2026?

The two main Palkhis (Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram) and Nivruttinath have confirmed dates. For the other Dindis, official 2026 dates are announced by their sansthans closer to the pilgrimage. This page is updated as soon as they are released.

Conclusion

The Palkhi Schedule 2026 marks the return of Maharashtra's most beloved pilgrimage, a moving river of faith flowing towards Pandharpur. Whether you walk beside Mauli from Alandi, follow Sant Tukaram from Dehu or join any of the other holy processions, the Wari offers an experience of devotion, unity and inner peace that stays with you for life.

Dates for the two main Palkhis are confirmed and the smaller Dindi schedules are being finalised by their sansthans. Bookmark this page and check back regularly. We update every route, date and night halt the moment official timetables are released.

May Lord Vitthal bless your journey. Bolo Vitthal Vitthal Jai Hari Vitthal!