. APRIL 2013 BACK ISSUE by Aditya Waikul One of the most famous pilgrimages in India, Pandharpur Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari has been taking place for more than 700 years. The annual Pandharpur Yatra to the famous Vithoba Temple at Pandarpur in Maharashtra is an unparalleled phenomenon that breaks the barriers of caste, creed, rich and poor; which are so deeply rooted in the soceity. More than 40 'Palkhis' (palanquins) form a major part of the procession during the pilgrimage. The pilgrims follow the tradition of carrying the paduka (footwear) of the saints in a palanquin. This pilgrimage is a 21-day trek and culminates on the Ekadashi, that is the eleventh day after the full moon in the month Ashadh (June - July) according to the Hindu lunar calendar.  The Warkaris, as the pilgrims are called, walk their way to Pandharpur and spend their nights in the camps set up in different villages en route. The local people from these villages make arrangements to lodge and feed the Warkaris, a scene of unadulterated humanity. The Warkaris give up all their worldly pleasures and comforts during their journey to Pandharpur. They uphold a strict vegetarian diet throughout and observe fasts during the pilgrimage. During this journey the Warkaris always address each other as 'Mauli' (mother like) and never use their real names. Most of the saints are also fondly named Mauli, thus breaking the wall between God and a human being. It is a belief that these saints still travel as a part of the Wari, through the souls of the other Warkaris. An old man walking in the harsh afternoon sunlight with a bullock-cart carrying his family to the holy town of Pandharpur. A women carrying sacred Tulasi plants (Basil) and men carrying veena (a traditional musical instrment) during Wari. During the course of Wari, Ringan is a well-known event. The etymological meaning of ringan is ‘circle.’ With the palkhi (palanquin) at the centre, the warkaris gather around the palkhi and perform Bhajans.  During the Ringan one of the sacred horses called 'Maulincha Ashva', which is believed to be carrying the soul of the saint, runs through the Ringen of pilgrims. Another horse circling the ringan with a rider who is holding the flag of the god. Warkari Singing Bhajans (devotional songs) and dancing to the rhythmic beat of cymbals and the mrudunga drum. A young Mauli (Warkari) in a busy Pandharpur market 2-3 days prior to the Holy day of Ashadhi Ekadasi. Two women performing Fugadi, a traditional dance in Maharashtra at a temple at Gopalpur, 2 km from Pandharpur. A Warkari women making a Tilak mark on her forehead. The U-shaped mark represents the heel of Lord Visnu. An ocean of devotees in Pandharpur on the night of Ashadhi Ekadasi. Many of the Warkaris from all social and economic backgrounds live together in Maths (monastery) such as this, during their stay in Pandharpur.  There are more than 150 Maths in Pandharpur.  This particular Math is 400 yrs old. Pilgrims gathered for a bath at the holy river Chandrabhaga at Pandharpur.  It is a tradition to bathe before pilgrims go to get the darshan (glimpse) of lord Vitthal. Back to current issue