PANDHARPUR: Millions of devotees have congregated along the banks of the Chandrabhaga River to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Devshayani Ekadashi. Following the completion of the iconic Ubhe Ringan at Wakhari, palanquins carrying the sacred footprints of revered saints have entered the holy city of Pandharpur. An estimated two million pilgrims have gathered for this grand spiritual event, filling the air with vibrant chants of “Hari Naam” and the rhythmic beats of traditional taal and mridangam. Carrying saffron flags, devotees have covered every corner of the town, from the sandy banks of the Chandrabhaga to the main devotional routes.

To handle the massive turnout, the local administration and state government have put extensive arrangements in place. Key state ministers have arrived in Pandharpur to inspect facilities and ensure basic services are provided seamlessly to the arriving pilgrims. Meanwhile, the temple committee is actively distributing free masala bhaat and khichdi to devotees waiting in the long worship queues. Bathed in saffron colors and resonating with chants of “Vithu Mauli”, the city is alive with commercial and spiritual energy as merchants from all over Maharashtra sell devotional items, prasad, and traditional instruments like veena and pakhawaj.