Extensive preparation,a vibrant welcome

On Saturday,as the Sant Tukaram Palkhi reached the city to head towards the Nivdunga Vithoba Temple in Nana Peth,there was a colourful welcome on the city streets. Around 4 pm in Nana Peth,preparations were in full swing to welcome the procession. Nana Peth,nestled in the interiors of old Pune,has been the spot where the palkhi stops every year. Near the Vithoba temple,an occasional coloured turban would pop up and remind one of the approaching Warkaris. At the temple,pandals and make shift tents were ready to host the pilgrims. Below the temple shikhar,the main idol of Lord Vithal,more than 350 years old,was being prepared for the Palkhi’s arrival. The temple authorities and the various mandals around made sure that the visit remained hassle-free. Inside the place of worship,the Palkhi is kept for a day. The warkaris and bhakats stay around the temple. Ravindra Padhye,temple administrator,who is part of the organising committee said,” We have three halls for accommodation. One of them is 5,000 sq ft and the other two are around 2,500 sq ft each. Several tent-like structures are also set up for the pilgrims to stay.”

Behind the temple premises,Kishan Maharaj is busy preparing for dinner. Kishan Maharaj and his team of five cook for 5,000-6,000 Warkaris and the on-duty policemen. The preparation had begun on Friday evening itself. “We are making halwa,puri,chana and bundi for dinner. Around 200 kg of rice and wheat will be used till Sunday evening only,” said Maharaj who is from Rajasthan. Monday morning which is said to be the day of fasting will have a special preparation of ‘khichri’ which will also be prepared by Kishan Maharaj.

The lanes of Nana Peth were dressed for the occasion. At the popular Bhaji Mandi ,parallel to the Vithoba temple,a makeover was visible. The regular sights of vegetables and fruits were replaced by stalls of jewelery,books,chappals and decorative items. “ We came around three days ago to sell our stuff to the people who come here for the Palkhi,” said 35-year-old Ramesh Pawade.