Pandharichi Wari: Part 1

 

Pandharichi Wari:

The Preparation:

It was a long held desire in my heart to walk alongside the throngs of warkaris to Pandharpur, to feel the pulse of their devotion, experience their way of life and try to understand firsthand at least a fraction of the hardships they endure in this process. Nothing in the heart is ever a secret from Panduranga. Despite initial hurdles in getting accepted into a group of pilgrims( locally known as dindi) I was able to sign up with another such dindi at the last minute. It was a signal that Panduranga had given a nod. 

Everything was new for me. The schedule, the preparation, the procedures, the people, places and above all, the perseverance and endurance it called for. I was mentally prepared to accept anything and everything. Whatever the millions endure during this wari( pilgrimage) I was ready to go through. Rain or shine, shelter or not, food or not, rest or not, toilet facilities or not. Seeing my determination to do this, my sister in law Manisha Datey in Pune became my primary facilitator for this endeavor. Several other people became instrumental in making my journey proceed at every step but Manisha was the pillar from start to end. If Panduranga sent the invitation, Manisha acted upon it to make it a reality. From scrambling to find me a place in a dindi to putting together the things I needed to carry, to solving problems that arose on the way, she was the angel who carried me through. And she is one who brushes away all credit and acknowledgment like she doesn’t know what we are talking about. My no-fuss-guardian-angel 👼 !

I was in Pune 5 days before the start of the wari. Pune was scorched. There was no trace of rain. From air conditioned living I had arrived into this melting pot. I deliberately avoided turning on air conditioners at home in Pune or even bathing with hot water. A fan above the head served well to sustain the temperatures both during the day and at night. My focus was to make sure I don’t invite sickness during the whole period. Drink clean water and eat minimally. Get used to walking in the heat as well as to the footwear I had brought specially for the wari.

 I had picked sandals that had good metatarsal and heel support and were water resistant to keep going in the rain. I had previously battled plantar fasciitis so the supports inside the sandals were a priority. Closed toed walking shoes had repeatedly damaged toe nails hence sandals were preferred. I had carried four of mom’s chiffon or georgette sarees that would be easy to wash and quick to dry on the go. A few snacks, useful medications and toiletries were snuck into the backpack. And a sleeping bag I had carried all the way from California served as my bedding. In retrospect I realize I could have done with so much less. I guess I can forgive myself for the excess….after all I paid for my folly by carrying much of it on my back as I walked!! 

It was June 10th. The day before the start of the wari from Alandi near Pune. I had not figured out where I would stay in Alandi the next day. The Dindi  accommodations and meal arrangements would take effect only from Saswad on the evening of June 14th. A close family friend from Khopoli, Chandu Joshi was in Pune helping me with some appliances. I casually asked him if he knew anyone in Alandi. This ever ready Good Samaritan dialed a couple of people immediately and found a family who was closely associated with mine from Khopoli days. Prasad Bhide’s parents were lifelong patients of my parents and close friends over the years. They had moved to Alandi almost 20 years back. He graciously invited me to stay at his home on the 11th. 

I could sleep peacefully that night knowing my Alandi stay is confirmed.