Pune, June 24: In first-of-its-kind order, the Pune administration has mandated that all shops vending non-vegetarian foods in the route of annual Palkhi procession will be shut on the day when Pandharpur Wari 2019 passes through. The wine shops, as well as bars, will also remain shut. The order will be binding all slaughterhouses, fish vendors, meat shops, and non-veg restaurants that are located along this route. Pandharpur Wari 2019: Schedule, Route and Yatra Processions of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi.

The decision to ban carnivorous food during the Pandharpur Palki procession was taken by the district administration on Thursday, during a meeting convened by district collector with wari leaders. The commercial non-veg shops in the city will be shut for the two whole days as two processions tally in the city on consecutive days, and merge on Sangamwadi bridge. Devotees Throng Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Maharashtra’s Pandharpur.

The Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi from Alandi moves towards the city through Dighi, before making its way through Vishrantwadi, Bhakti-Shakti Chowk, Pimpri, Kasarwadi and Khadi; meanwhile, Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi cuts through the core of the city- the Peths, reported the Pune Mirror.

Considering the drought situation in the state, special water arrangements have been made for the worshippers. According to Pune Mirror, Additional collector, Ramesh Kale has directed the local body water supply department to make the necessary arrangements for warkaris.

The procession will start on June 24 and 25. The devotees of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj will start their journey from Alandi, while those of Sant Tukaram Maharaj will start it from Dehu. Involving millions of "warkaris' (devotees) the palkhis will culminate at Lord Vitthal temple in Solapur district's holy city Pandharphur.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2019 11:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).