Omkar Dattatray
The Shridi Parikrama which is annually organised on 13 February is in fact of great significance to all those people who believe in the Sai Baba and his miracles. The Shridi Walk reflects unity in diversity besides utmost belief in Sai Baba. The Shridi Parikrama [or Mahaparikrama]is a major spiritual event held annually in Shridi, with key activities scheduled around February 13[with significant buzz for 2026, and events reported for 2025.This is a 14 Km walk of faith where thousands of devotees retrace the path that Sai Baba used to take.
Key details regarding the upcoming Parikrama include---a—Date—It is held on February 13 every year with great devotion and fanfare and is attended by thousands of Sai Devotees and has much importance for all those who believe in Sai Baba .b---Significance---The event coincides with the Shri Saibaba Sansthan establishment day.c-----Route---The spiritual journey of the Shridi Parikrama starts at the Khandoba Temple and goes towards Sakori Road. The parikrama often begins early in the morning around 5 am, from Khandoba Temple and proceeds through various sites associated with Sai Baba’s miracles and life,such as Saikot and Saikori road. d---Activities---The event features a grand Palkhi [palanquin]procession ,with participants walking through significant holy spots in Shridi, often beginning early in the morning around 5 am .e—Focus—It is described as a ‘’divine security shield’ ’for devotees.e---Participation----Thousands of devotees ,including members of the Sai Palkhi Parivar ,participants in this walk ,carrying a ceremonial Palkhi [Palanquin ]of Sai Baba. g---Highlights---The event is characterised by bhajans, chanting of ‘Om Sai, Ram’’ and a display of intense devotion .h---Organizers----The event is supported by local groups like the Sai Teerth Theme park and the Green and Clean Shridi Foundation.
The event is separate from the three main annual festivals [Ramnavmi, Guru Purnima, and Vijayadashmi] usually held at the temple. Promotional materials for the event, such as those from Saileela TV, explicitly mention the 2026 event taking place on Feb 13th often noting it is 71 days before the event in early December. It is often promoted as a ‘walk of faith’ to experience the divine protection of Sai Baba.
The event is accompanied by bhajan singing and is described as a ‘’Mahakumbh’’ of Sai compassion. Many devotees also visit the Sai Teerth Park as part of this pilgrimage. The Shridi Parikrama is a deeply spiritual and enriching journey, a walk that takes devotees around the sacred town of Shridi, where Sai Baba spent most of His life and blessed countless devotees. This Parikrama is not just a physical walk, but a spiritual path of devotion, reflection, and connection to the divine presence of Sai Baba. The Shridi Parikrama is essentially a circumambulation around the town, covering significant places associated with Sai Baba’s life. Devotees often walk barefooted around the town, to show reverence and seek the blessings of Sai Baba, just as one would walk around a sacred temple or idol as a sign of respect and worship. The significance of Shridi Parikrama –The Shridi Partikrama is a deeply symbolic act of walking in the footsteps of Sai Baba. By walking around the town, devotees seek to purify their hearts, build faith, and experience the divine presence of Sai Baba in every corner of the town. The parikrama is not just a physical journey, it is a journey of the soul. As devotees walk around the sacred town, they reflect on Sai Baba ‘s life, His teachings and his infinite grace and power. The, act of walking barefoot or even simply with devotion helps deepen the feeling of humility, surrender, and love for Sai Baba. The journey symbolizes the cleansing of one’s mind, body and soul. ,It is said that walking the Parikrama with devotion removes obstacles and brings peace, health, and prosperity into devotees’ life. On 13 February, thousands of Sai devotees embark on a 14 km spiritual journey retracing Sai Baba ‘s sacred path in Shridi. From Khandoba temple to sites of Sai Baba’s miracles, the parikrama is a true celebration of faith and devotion. Thus, Shridi Parikrama is a significant 14 km spiritual walk [circumambulation]around Shridi tracing Sai Baba’s footsteps, especially held around February 13, marking His presence and miracles, with devotees starting from Khandoba temple for a transformative experience of faith and unity and it also reflects unity in diversity as the people of all religions take part in this walk with great faith and devotion in Sai Baba. It is a deeply symbolic journey through sites related to Sai Baba’s life, fostering spiritual connection and communal devotion. The, Shridi Parikrama is a deeply symbolic act of walking in the footsteps of Sai Baba. By walking around the town, devotees seek to purify their hearts, build faith, and experience the divine presence of Sai Baba in every corner of the town.
The route of the Shridi Parikrama is as under---1—SAI Baba’s Samadhi Mandir---The parikrama often begins with a visit to the Samadhi Mandir, where Sai Baba’s relics are preserved, and His physical body rests. This is the heart of Shridi, the most revered spot for devotees, where they offer their prayers, bow in respect, and feel Sai Baba’s divine energy. 2---Dwarkamai---The parikrama route includes a spot at Dwarkamai , the mosque where SAI Baba lived, meditated, and interacted with His devotees. It is a place where He performed countless miracles and imparted wisdom to His followers. This, spot is significant because it represents Sai Baba’s compassion and love for humanity. 3---Chavadi----Chavadi is another important spot on the parikramsa route, where Sai Baba used to sleep alternately with Dwarkamai. It symbolizes his simple and humble life. .Devotees visiting Chavadi remember Baba’s teachings of simplicity, humility, and selfless service.4—Gurusthan---It is located near the Samadhi Mandir and it is the place where Sai Baba first appeared in Shridi in the form of a young boy under a neem tree. This spot is immensely sacred, and devotees believe it to be the place where Sai Baba’s spiritual energy first manifested in Shridi.5---Lendi Bagh---It is another significant spot where Sai Baba spent hours meditating and walking in solitude. The Parikrama passes through this tranquil garden ,a symbol of Sai Baba’s deep connection with nature and His spiritual practices. 6---Other Sites---The route of the Parikrama also takes devotees past various smaller shrines, memorials, and places linked with Sai Baba’s teachings, providing moments for reflection, prayer, and a deeper connection to His life and message. In short, the Shridi Parikrama gives devotees an opportunity to recall and reconnect with the life, teachings and miracles and the people rising above faith and religion take part in this spiritual voyage. May this year’s Shridi Parikrama shower Sai Baba’s blessings and may we live in peace and embrace His blessings with open arms. May, Sai Baba bring peace, health and prosperity to humanity.
The author is a columnist, social, KP activist & Freelancer |
