Ashadhi Wari 2026: Administration Appeals to Warkaris to Halt Journeys; Here's Why
Severe flooding in the Indrayani River has submerged all four bridges leading into Alandi, Maharashtra, making the town inaccessible. With the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession scheduled for July 8, authorities have urged Warkaris and devotees to halt their journeys immediately, follow safety protocols, and stay away from the riverbed and closed bridges.
The Pune district administration in Maharashtra has issued an urgent appeal to Warkaris and devotees to avoid travelling to the temple town of Alandi, as severe flooding of the Indrayani River has rendered the town inaccessible just days before the scheduled departure of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession.
Severe Flood Conditions
Persistent, heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours, compounded by water discharge from upstream dams, has caused the Indrayani River to overflow its banks. The surge in water levels has submerged all four bridges providing vehicular and pedestrian access to Alandi.┬аLandslides Shut Mumbai-Pune Highway and Expressway; Karjat-Khopoli Train Services Suspended After Ballast Washout (Watch).
Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi: Travel Advisory Issued Amid Heavy Rains
Local reports indicate that riverfront ghats, temporary facilities for pilgrims, and several low-lying areas, including residential zones near the riverbed, are currently underwater. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has maintained a "red alert" for the Pune district, warning of continued heavy rainfall that is expected to sustain high water levels in the region.
Appeal to Pilgrims and Devotees
With thousands of devotees expected to arrive for the Palkhi departure ceremony scheduled for July 8, the administration and the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan Committee have issued a joint advisory urging those currently en route to halt their journeys immediately at safe locations. "Please strictly follow the instructions of the administration, police machinery, and disaster management department. Do not believe in rumors, and avoid going near the riverbed, ghats, or the closed bridges," the┬аMaharashtra DGIPR said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Authorities have emphasised the following safety protocols:
- Avoid Travel: Pilgrims should refrain from attempting to enter Alandi until further notice.
- Follow Official Guidance: Devotees are urged to rely only on official updates and to ignore rumours circulating on social media.
- Prioritise Safety: Residents and pilgrims are strictly advised to stay away from the riverbed, ghats, and the closed, submerged bridges.
- Cooperate with Authorities: The local police machinery and disaster management cells are actively monitoring the situation and have requested full cooperation from the public to ensure safety.
Sant Gyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Procession Status
The annual Ashadhi Wari is a significant event for millions across Maharashtra. The Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi is traditionally scheduled to depart from Alandi on July 8. As the situation remains fluid, officials are evaluating the impact of the flood on the logistics of the procession.┬аMumbai-Pune Train Services Hit by Landslides After Heavy Rain; Several Express Trains Cancelled.
"A humble appeal is being made to all Warkaris, devotees, and citizens that the Indrayani River has experienced severe flooding, and all four bridges leading into Alandi city are submerged underwater. Therefore, it is currently not safe to enter Alandi city," the post on social media read. Authorities remain on standby, and further updates regarding the Palkhi schedule and access to Alandi will be provided as weather conditions evolve. Residents requiring emergency assistance are advised to contact local disaster management units immediately.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2026 02:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).