Sant Chokhamela Palkhi Sohala 2026, the procession of Sant Chokhamela Palkhi in 2026..
The Sant Chokhamela Palkhi and the broader Ashadhi Wari for 2026 will culminate in Pandharpur on July 25, 2026 (Ashadhi Ekadashi).
While the massive processions for Sant Tukaram (departing Dehu on July 7) and Sant Dnyaneshwar (departing Alandi on July 8) take about 20 days to cover over 250 kilometers, Sant Chokhamela’s journey is much more localized.
Here is how his Palkhi and legacy fit into the 2026 Wari:
The Mangalwedha to Pandharpur Route
Sant Chokhamela lived and worked in Mangalwedha, which is only about 25 kilometers from Pandharpur. Because the distance is so short, his specific Palkhi/Dindi typically departs Mangalwedha just a few days before Ashadhi Ekadashi.
The procession joins the massive convergence of all other Palkhis at Wakhari on July 24, 2026, before making the final, grand entry into Pandharpur.
The Samadhi at the Namdev Payari
Sant Chokhamela’s presence in the Wari is incredibly profound because his samadhi (memorial shrine) is built right at the footsteps of the main Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur. When the millions of Warkaris arrive, taking darshan at his samadhi is one of the very first things they do before entering the temple.
The Audio-Visual Experience
If you are looking to capture the essence of the Wari, the atmosphere surrounding the Palkhis is unmatched:
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The Sound: The air is dominated by highly energetic, massy folk rhythms. The booming, resonant beats of the Marathi Dhol-Tasha, combined with the rhythmic clashing of taals (cymbals), create a high-octane auditory experience.
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The Chants: Sant Chokhamela’s most famous abhang, “Abir Gulal Udhlit Rang,” is sung continuously. It perfectly describes the visual spectacle of the event—devotees joyously throwing vibrant pink gulal (colored powder) into the air as they dance.
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The Iconography: The traditional attire of the Warkaris, the saffron flags (patakas) against the sky, and the silver padukas (sandals) inside the palanquins offer incredibly rich, traditional visual subjects.