|
The palanquin, made of silver
and decorated with flowers, almost looks like
a temple on wheels.
The Warkaris entertain themselves
by playing various games  and
killing time until they reach Pandharpur. Halting
at various villages on the way to Pandharpur,
they are served meals by villagers who were unable
to make it to Pandharpur but now gain their share
of Punya. The Warkaris recite bhajans and kirtans,
which are lyrical descriptions of religious stories
in the nights. On reaching Pandharpur, they end
their one-month long journey at the feet of the
God Vitthal. The reason for the Palkhi is that
after this day, according to the Hindu mythology,
all the Gods go into a slumber for four months
at a stretch. So this is the last day for the
devotees to take a glimpse of their God.
|
Pandharpur
carrying the padukas (wooden sandals)
worn by saint Dnyaneshwar in a palanquin and reciting
bhajans and chanting shlokas in the praise of the
saints of Maharashtra! It is one of the most eagerly-awaited
events of Maharashtra. Devotees, popularly known
as Warkaris, come to Alandi in Pune by foot
and from here they collectively head for Pandharpur,
reaching there on the Ashadhi Ekadashi. The procession
starts one month before the Ekadashi. 
