Sakaal Times: As is the norm, Pune city welcomed the estimated five lakh warkaris (pilgrims) walking with the twin palkhis of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar with open arms into the city on Wednesday evening.
It was quite a sight to witness the intense fervour and devotion exhibited by the lakhs of warkaris as they walked into the city continuously chanting ‘Gyanba-Tukaram’. While the women carried the traditional tulsi-vrindavan on their heads, the men played the cymbals or beat the dhol and mridangams.
The energy levels among the warkaris was so high that the heat and humidity did not seem to bother them. Many of them were even carrying bags on their heads. They seemed to be in a religious trance as they danced in circles, sang bhajans and performing the traditional fugdi.
A large number of youth also participated in the palkhi procession. Pune-based working professionals and students who walked in groups from Alandi raved about the experience and the spiritual feeling they imbibed on the walk.
Milind Jadhav, an employee of D-Mart said, “I have seen the wari processions in the past but never got the chance to participate in them. I am feeling great today.”
An energetic Abhijit Bokil, who works with The Wai urban cooperative bank said, “I have taken a couple of days off from work. If given long leave, I would have loved |to accompany the devotees on the 21-day pilgrimage.”
Employees of companies near Wakdewadi stood in their balconies and windows to get a glimpse of the wari procession. Policemen had a tough time keeping the crowds away from the respective palkhis. Several political parties had created pandals to welcome the warkaris on Wakdewadi road. Ironically, some pandals played Bollywood music and the police were forced to stop them.
The road-side eateries made a killing. Warkaris made a beeline to these stalls to drink tea and eat vada pavs. Of course several corporates and social groups were also seen distributing water, biscuit packets, sweets and fruits to the warkaris.
A large number of youth also participated in the palkhi procession. Pune-based working professionals and students who walked in groups from Alandi raved about the experience and the spiritual feeling they imbibed on the walk.
