Sant Namdev Maharaj
Sant Namdev Maharaj Palkhi Sohala 2026, the procession of Sant Namdev Maharaj Palkhi in 2026..
The Sant Namdev Maharaj Palkhi is a deeply revered part of Maharashtra’s Ashadhi Wari. It carries the traditional legacy of Sant Namdev, starting from his birthplace in Narsi Namdev (Hingoli district) and making a roughly 26-day walking journey to meet Lord Vitthal in Pandharpur.
Here is what you need to know about the 2026 schedule:
Key 2026 Dates
The entire Ashadhi Wari revolves around Ashadhi Ekadashi, which dictates the Palkhi’s schedule.
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Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026: Saturday, July 25, 2026
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Palkhi Departure (Prasthan): Late June / Early July 2026 (Historically, the journey takes about 26 days, so expect the departure from Narsi Namdev around June 29–30).
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Arrival in Pandharpur: The Palkhi will reach Pandharpur on July 24, 2026 (a day before Ekadashi).
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Pandharpur Halt: The Palkhi traditionally stays in Pandharpur for about five days before beginning its return journey.
(Note: The exact day-by-day halt schedule is officially published by the temple committee a few weeks before the departure).
The Traditional Route (Palkhi Marg)
The journey from the Marathwada region to Pandharpur is filled with devotion, abhangs, and massive community support. The standard route covers several major towns:
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Start: Narsi Namdev (Hingoli)
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Early Halts: Hingoli, Aundha Nagnath, and Parbhani
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Mid-Journey: Gangakhed, Parli Vaijnath, Ambajogai
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Approaching Pandharpur: Ashti, Solapur/Dharashiv region routes, finally leading into Pandharpur.
The Ringan Tradition
One of the most visually stunning and spiritually uplifting parts of the Wari is the Ringan (a circular track where the sacred horse, believed to carry the spirit of the saint, runs).
The Sant Namdev Maharaj Palkhi typically features four major Ringan ceremonies along its route. The first major Gol Ringan (circular Ringan) usually takes place at the Ramlila Maidan in Hingoli shortly after the journey begins. Thousands of Warkaris gather in a massive circle to sing, dance, and play traditional games like fugdi as the Ashva (horse) runs through the center.