“Meticulous Planning for Palkhi Procession; Special Attention to Women’s Safety” – Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Deputy CM Shinde Offers Prayers to Sant Muktabai’s Palkhi and Leads the Procession from Muktainagar

Jalgaon : Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the Sant Muktabai Temple in Kothali village, Muktainagar, and offered prayers today. Marking the beginning of the spiritual journey to Pandharpur, he performed the ceremonial worship of the Sant Muktabai Palkhi and personally led the procession, becoming part of the sacred tradition. He was accompanied by Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan and Jalgaon District Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil.

The event was attended by MLAs Eknath Khadse, Chandrakant Patil, and Chandrakant Sonawane, along with District Collector Ayush Prasad, Zilla Parishad CEO Meenal Karnawal, Superintendent of Police Dr. Maheshwar Reddy, Sant Muktai Foundation President Ravindra Patil, senior officials, and a large gathering of Warkaris and devotees.

Speaking after leading the palkhi, Deputy CM Shinde said, “The Warkari tradition is a profound spiritual and cultural identity of Maharashtra. It was a matter of great honor and fortune for me to lead the palkhi of Sant Muktabai today. At the feet of Sant Muktabai and all saints, I pray for good rainfall, flourishing agriculture, the well-being of farmers, and the prosperity of our entire state.”

He assured that the state government has made adequate preparations for the safety and success of all palkhi processions participating in the Pandharpur Yatra. “We have held meetings with all palkhi leaders to finalize the schedule, traffic arrangements, medical support, essential facilities at rest halts, and security measures. In addition, special arrangements are being made for women, with extra provisions to ensure their safety,” he said.

Deputy CM Shinde emphasized that preserving and nurturing the Warkari tradition is the government’s responsibility. He said that comprehensive planning has been done to provide health check-up camps, toilets, drinking water, and bathing facilities along the palkhi route.

The Sant Muktabai Palkhi, which departed from Muktainagar, is on its way to Pandharpur. This is the longest palkhi route in Maharashtra, stretching from the banks of the Tapi River to the banks of the Chandrabhaga. The government remains committed to supporting the Warkari community at every stage of this journey, Shinde reaffirmed.

Rakhi Tied by Sisters
As the palkhi procession passed the new temple on Bodwad-Jamner Road, a few women came forward and symbolically tied rakhis on Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s wrist, reflecting a gesture of love and protection.