Nivrutti palkhi to continue centuries-old tradition

Nashik: It's that time of the year again when the devotees, or 'warkaris', head to Pandharpur for the annual pilgrimage.
The Pandharpur 'wari' (pilgrimage) is the identity of Maharashtra. As part of the long-standing tradition, the devotees known as warkaris undertake a procession by foot to Pandharpur while accompanying the 'palkhi' (palanquin) carrying the 'padukas' (footwear/replica of sandals of saints).
While the two main palanquins - one of Sant Dnyaneshwar from Alandi and another of Sant Tukaram Maharaj from Dehu - are popular in Maharashtra, a similar kind of procession is also taken out from Trimbakeshwar since ages.
On June 20, more than one thousand followers of Sant Nivrutti Nath Maharaj will start walking towards Pandharpur. The organizers have made some major changes this year to make the pilgrimage popular on the lines of Alandi and Dehu.
"Sant Nivrutti Nath Maharaj's palkhi (palanquin) is taken out from Trimbakeshwar, where he had taken 'samadhi' sometime in the 13th century. The wari is taken out from the temple built on a place where he attended samadhi. We will start on June 20 and cover a distance of 355km to reach Pandharpur by foot," said Dr Dhanashri Hardas, the trustee of Shri Nivrutti Nath Maharaj Samadhi Sansthan Trust.
Nivruttinath Palkhi is arguably the longest 'wari' in terms of distance covered by the devotees; the other two major 'waris' cover less than 250km. "This 'wari' has 45 'dindis' (groups of warkaris) with their designated numbers and identity. People keep joining the rally on the way to make it a huge congregation of more than 1.25 lakh when it reaches Pandharpur," said Dr Hardas.
3 'ringans' during journey
The biggest attraction in the 'wari' has been the 'ringan' (a circular pattern or arrangement which is followed by the warkaris). It is a source of distraction and respite after long hours of walk for the devotees.
"We have planned three 'ringans' from this year - one in each district limit. It will be a spectacular sight to see thousands of devotees dancing around the palanquin," said Dr Hardas. The newly made 230kg silver chariot of Sant Nivrutti Nath, electronic drums, horses, band parties, and Warkaris participating in traditional attires would be the special attractions.
Traffic diversions in place
The 'wari' of Sant Nivrutti Nath will reach Nashik on Monday. The city traffic police have made diversions on June 21 to avoid rush on the streets from where the grand palkhi will pass. DCP (traffic) Vijay Patil has issued special instructions about the vehicular movement on Monday. No vehicle will be permitted from Ashok Stambh to Ravivar Karanja road. The vehicles will have to take a pass from Ramwadi bridge and reach Ravivar Karanja via Makhmalabad. The traffic restrictions will be applicable from 8am.