The Magic of Wari

It is the same ritual for over three centuries, repeated year by year with same vigor and enthusiasm. Even the rising concern for security and growing attraction for materialism does not deter the warkaris from thronging the streets of Pune in search of Viththal, their beloved god. For the warkaris, Pune happens to be only a stage in their quest for this eternal deity rising above the caste and religious limits. A magic among the living species, the wari or annual sojourn is conducted by the lakhs of people from Maharashtra as well as Karnataka. The warkaris come from every corner of the state and all the roads lead only to Pandharpur. This year also warkaris have come in innumerable size, in groups as well as individually. This annual sojourn takes place without any formal organizer. Each person comes with his own instinct.

In Pune, both the palkhis of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar come on same day. They have a one day stay here and head towards Saswad from where they go to Pandharpur. Passing of these palkhhis through Dive Ghat (Dive Pass) is one of the most spectacular sights of wari. Many a people are mesmerized by the sight of this passing of palkhis. This year the monsoon is yet to arrive otherwise it is a visual treat to see a large human see spiraling itself along the hilly terrain in a rain soaked environment. Last year I was witness to such a treat. Even those who have regularly attended this spectacle for years can not escape the magic of this moment. I spent a day listening to voices who went on to narrate their earlier experiences in wari. But come the main chariot in which the image of Sant Dnyaneshwar is placed, everybody motions to the same rhythm. Everything else in the world does not exist at that moment.

I am always amazed at the way these warkaris manage their affairs. This is normally the most important season for any Indian farmer when the rainy season is started. Sowing seeds for the new crops takes place at this juncture. Yet it is the people from farmer community that comes largest for wari. As a journalist, I always give an excuse of busy schedule when somebody asks me whether I have attended any wari. Seeing these farmers and peasants perfectly balancing their work, on which depends their livelihood and their commitment to faith always makes me feel ashamed. It is easy to say that it is a wastage of time and nothing else. But just think, how much time we lose in movies and gossiping. If a person invests his time in a thing which does not bring any benefit to him or society, it is a wastage of time. But if a mass of people engage in a ritual for centuries, the fruits of which can not be negated by a conclusive evidence, and that too for centuries, then it is a movement. A structure of culture and tradition.