PONDA: Heavy showers and strong wind notwithstanding, hundreds Warkaris (devotees of Lord Vitthal) from Ponda, Marcel, Kundaim and various other places from across the State embarked on their annual pilgrimage on foot towards the famous Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple (Vithoba Temple) at Pandharpur, in Solapur district of Maharashtra.
The pilgrims aim to reach Pandharpur by July 17 to participate the Ashadi Ekadashi celebrations for divine experience. Every year the number of Warkaris from Goa leaving for Pandharpur is increasing, not getting deterred by the tedious journey.
They are driven by their unwavering faith in Lord Vitthal, which gives them the energy to cover a distance of around 380 km on foot. Chanting the hymns of Vitthal, saint Tukaram, Dynaneshwar and other saints doesn’t let them feel tired.
While the two group of Warkaris from Marcels left for pilgrimage on June 28, some started on 29 while from Ponda. Another group of 130 devotees left from Kundaim for Pandharpur.
According to Deepak Naik, a Warkari from Kundaim, Goans are ahead in all aspects of life want to maintain this tradition.
He said since past three years he and his family members are going for pilgrimage and on Wednesday, they left for Pandharpur with a group of around 120 pilgrims, which included around 50 women. They are expected to reach Pandharpur walking between June 13 and 15.
Every day they will cover journey of 25 to 30 km upto 6 pm and take shelter on the way designated places and begin journey next day again. They will participate Ashadi Ekadashi on 17 July and will start return journey from there by bus or train.