Most devotees do Shirdi and leave by evening — darshan, a meal at the prasadalaya, Dwarkamai, and back. But every Thursday night, at exactly 9:15 PM, Shirdi holds a tradition that hasn’t stopped in over 100 years. And most pilgrims never get to see it. 🪔
🪔 What happens
A palki (palanquin) leaves the Samadhi Mandir. Inside it: Sai Baba’s old portrait, his satka (staff), and his silver padukas — decorated with flowers, carried under a royal chhatra (umbrella).
The palki travels from the Samadhi Mandir, through Dwarkamai, to the Chavadi — and then back from the Chavadi. The very route Baba himself once walked.
🏛️ Why this tradition exists
From 1910 to 1918, Baba was physically present in Shirdi. He slept on alternate nights — one night in Dwarkamai, the next in the Chavadi.
On the nights Baba moved to the Chavadi, devotees carried him there in a palki — with drums, and a shower of flowers. It was their way of honouring him like a king. Baba was hesitant at first, but he gave in to his devotees’ love.
After Baba took mahasamadhi in 1918, the Sansthan resolved that this tradition would never stop. And since then — every Thursday night — Baba’s portrait travels that same path.