According to Hindu mythology there are 33 crore deities to worship. Across the year, each deity is prayed and worshiped on specific month or day. Come rain and farmers in Maharashtra are geared for the Waari/yatra. Ashadhi Ekadashi is more of a religious procession festival and is celebrated during the months of June- July (Aashaadh Shukla paksha). People consider the two eleventh days, "Ekadashi", of every month to be of special importance. But the eleventh day (bright) of Ashadh is known as the great Ekadashi or Mahaekadashi. This Mahaekadashi is also known as Shayani Ekadashi, because on this day Vishnu falls asleep to wake up four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi in the Kartik month. This period is known as Chaturmas and coincides with the rainy season.
Lord Pandurang is said tobe another avatar of lord Vishnu, meaning black in colour. Pandurang is considered to be a god of farmers and labourers. Lakhs of devotees gather together on auspicious day of Ashadhi Ekadashi at Pandharpur on the banks of Chandrabhaga river.
The tradition of Waari is said tobe 800 years old. The one who follows the Waari are refered as Waarkari. Such Waarkari (mostly the farmers) from Maharashtra get ready in month of June to join the procession of Waari. Since it is the rainy season during that time, farmers have to manage their routine of sowing new seeds, plantations and other farm work. Even though at least one member from the Waarkari family manages to join the Waari. Waakaris from remote villages of Maharashtra join any of Waari of Saint Dyaneshwar, Saint Tukaram, Saint Eknatha, Saint Sopan deo, Saint Muktabai. They carry Palkhis (Palaquins) of these saints with great devotion.
Waakari walk for almost one month from their place to reach the destination. It is just amazing to see devotees walking in rain and sun and on rocks and in muds. They observe fast or Upawas on this day of Ekadashi. Waakaris carry Veena, Mrudunga, Taal, Chiplya and sing Abhangas (devotional songs of Pandurang). They sing, dance and perform traditional games like Phugadya, Ringan on these Abhangas.
The atmosphere is of love and devotion towards lord Pandurang. Each and every human is treated at equal level and refered as "Mauli" (mother/elder). I always had kind of attraction towards these Waakaris for their selfless devotion and dedication to walk such a long distance every year in rains. As they say, it is their Tapascharya (penance) which gives them the strength to face ups and downs of life for coming year. पाऊले चालती पंढरीची वाट, yes in the coming years, I wish to join them too ....
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