Harmal-Pandharpur Kartiki Wari Commences; Radhika Palekar Gifts Sound System

Departure of Harmal Palkhi for Kartiki Ekadashi

The road to Pandharpur is open once again. Harmal in North Goa echoed with devotional fervor as the annual foot pilgrimage (Padyatra) to Shri Kshetra Pandharpur commenced with traditional rites. Under the banner of Shri Sadguru Janardan Swami Maharaj Charitable Trust, the Dindi set out bearing the sacred Palkhi to rhythmic chants of Shri Vitthal and Rukmini Mata. Varkaris embraced each other with joyous cries of 'Mauli' as they began their spiritual journey toward the Chandrabhaga river for Kartiki Ekadashi 2026.

S. Tato Maharaj is guiding the yatra this year. He performed the ceremonial pujan of the sacred padukas before the procession started. Villagers, local leaders, and temple committee members gathered to pray for a safe, smooth journey for all participating pilgrims.

Sound System Donated for Bhajan and Haripath

At the send-off ceremony, Harmal Zilla Panchayat member Radhika Uday Palekar presented a sound system to the trust. It is practical help for the road. The equipment will carry daily kirtans, Haripath recitations, and bhajans as pilgrims walk along highways and village roads.

Speaking to the gathering, Radhika Palekar praised the deep devotion of Varkaris who walk hundreds of kilometres each year to reach Pandharpur. Harmal Panchayat Sarpanch Divya Gadekar, panchayat members, and trust office-bearers attended the event. The trust thanked Palekar for the gift. Clear sound keeps the large congregation united during chilly morning walks and late evening marches.

Pilgrimage Route and Schedule to Pandharpur

Pandharpur is roughly 380 kilometres from Goa. The Harmal Dindi therefore departs well before Kartiki Ekadashi, giving pilgrims ample time to walk without haste. Over the next two weeks, the group will move through these key route stages:

• Goa to Maharashtra Border: Movement from Harmal through Pernem, Banda, and Sawantwadi.
• Ghat Section and Kolhapur District: Ascent across the Western Ghats toward Ajara, Gadhinglaj, and Kolhapur.
• Sangli to Solapur District: Travel through Miraj, Sangola, and onward to Pandharpur.
• Final Arrival: The Dindi plans to reach the banks of the Chandrabhaga in Pandharpur two days before Kartiki Ekadashi.

Arrangements for Walking Varkaris

The trust has made thoughtful arrangements for the devotees. Support vehicles, water supply, medical aid, and designated night halts (mukkam) at roadside temple halls and schools are in place. Kartiki Wari preparations are in full swing across Maharashtra. Local administrations along the route have been notified to facilitate basic sanitation and road safety for the passing pilgrims.