Waari - the Pilgrimage @ Pune, 2011
It's a vision that would melt the heart of the staunchest atheist. And it must be one of its kinds in the world; at one time, millions of people walk in Waari- a holy pilgrimage in Maharashtra. It's perhaps, the world's longest pilgrimage. Remarkable, in over 700 years of Waari tradition, no stampede or chaos has ever taken place. Waari is undertaken in the Hindu month of Ashadhi Ekadashi. Every year, millions of devotees walk along the 450-km route from Alandi (near Pune) to Pandarpur (near Kolhapur) in Western Maharashtra. They walk with one focus and that is to reach Pandharpur and offer their respects to Lord Vithal (reincarnation of Vishnu in the form of Krishna). The waarkaris (pilgrims) are mainly agriculturists and the majority of them are poor. After travelling for almost 15-20 days, devotees reach Pandarpur to meet their favourite God, Vithal.
More here - http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-07-11/india/27910672_1_dindi-palkhis-sant-dnyaneshwar/2
Jun 27, 2011
Photos: 44
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