India, March 31 -- This year's Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession is set for significant changes due to an additional lunar month. Expected to start nearly a month late on July 8, the pilgrimage may be shortened from 18 days to 17.

The move has sparked opposition from local residents, who have expressed strong sentiments about preserving traditions that have been followed for decades. Particularly over plans to curtail the traditional two-day halt in the city to just one day, and to shift the long-standing location in Bhavani Peth.

The proposals emerged during an informal meeting of the Alandi temple trust held in Pandharpur on Sunday, where leaders of various pilgrimage groups suggested shortening the procession by a day.

As p...