Ashadi Ekadashi Dindi Yatra 2018 at B K Birla College - Autonomous, Kalyan.

We were honoured to replicate the 800-year-old tradition of Pandharpur Wari on the auspicious occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi on July 23rd, by holding a Vriksha Dindi.
Led by 300 Warkaris from in and around Kalyan, a 5000 member Dindi encompassing devotees from B K Birla College Of Arts, Science & Commerce - Autonomous, Kalyan., B K Birla Public School Kalyan, and Century Rayon High School, besides local dignitaries, Century Rayon staff and families of Cenray Parivaar undertook the pilgrimage from B K Birla College Of Arts, Science & Commerce - Autonomous, Kalyan., compound to Vithoba Mandir, Shahad.
The Dindi commenced around 9.15 AM from B K Birla College Of Arts, Science & Commerce - Autonomous, Kalyan.
Sacred Palki (palanquin) adorned with floral decorations and accoutrements, colourful patakas (flags) carried by men and propitious tulsi pots balanced on heads of female pilgrims, added traditionality and sparkle to the procession.
All along the way, talented children performed lezim, fugdi, bhajans, keertans and bharud with infectious enthusiasm and energy. Accompaniments of musical instruments like dhol tasa, veena, mridung, dholki and chiplis affixed authenticity to the religious ritual. Also, there were floats demonstrating about Swach Bharat Abhiyan, Yogasana, Lord Vithoba-Rukmini and Vithoba Temple, Shahad.
As the Dindi marched on, many local townsfolk joined spontaneously to pay obeisance to Lord Vithoba.
Students also used the occasion to spread the message about conserving nature and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by holding posters with slogans. When the serpentine line of devotees advanced their way up the Birla Mandir chanting holy names, the pageant presented a perfect amalgamation of people of all castes, creed, class and age coming together with a common goal.
At the temple on the hilltop, after the conventional Mahapuja Aarti, as the devotees sought blessings of Lord Vithoba and Rukmini Mai at the sanctum sanctorum, musical performances continued with religious fervour on the lawns outside.
According to Business Head of Century Rayon, Shri OR Chitlange this Warkari Rally is an initiative to spread awareness about environmental preservation and at the same time encourage the Bhakti traditions of Maharashtra. He expressed hope that in the future, more and more residents of Kalyan, Ulhasnagar and Shahad would join the Wari to celebrate our secular customs and traditions of yore.

[@kirtitiwari1113]

Lovely memories,jai pandurang

[@kirtitiwari1113]

Xcellent