PUNE, July 2, 2013: With the happiness of a timely onset of monsoon lighting up their faces, lakhs of warkaris entered Pune city on Tuesday, spreading a wave of devotion and joy in the city. The devotees accompanying the palanquins of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram were given a grand welcome. After a brief stopover in the city, they will head towards Pandharpur, the final destination of the palkhis.

Authorities said there was a significant rise in the number of devotees this year, attributing this to the timely onset of monsoon after one of the worst droughts in the history of the state.

Vishwas Pandhare, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said: "Approximately, there has been a rise of 20 to 25 per cent in the number of warkaris as compared to last year. The reason for this could be good rainfall in the first fortnight of June in Marathwada and central Maharashtra, which resulted into timely sowing. A lot of enthusiasm can be seem among the warakris this year."

The processions, which started on June 29 from Dehu and Alandi, will cover approximately 250 km on foot to reach Pandharpur, the abode of Lord Vitthal. The devotees have come from all over Maharashtra and outside the state in over 750 groups called "dindis". During their stay in the city, the warkaris will be offered food and shelter by the residents of Pune.

The Sant Dnyaneshwar palkhi was welcomed by Mayor Vaishali Bankar, Pune Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Pathak, corporator Reshma Bhosale, PMC standing committee chairman Vishal Tambe and others at Sangamwadi. The Veenekaris (those carrying veena) were felicitated with coconuts.

From five to 90, devotees belonging to all age groups are part of the processions. Carrying mrudangs, veenas, cymbals and saffron flags, they chanted "Dnyoba Tukaram" and "Jai Hari Vitthal" as they walked briskly to match the pace of the decorated palanquins driven by bullocks.

Source: The Indian Express, DT. July 2, 2013.