Palkhi, Pola, Ratha Saptami, Mahashivratri

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Palkhi

Palkhi

1000-year-old tradition followed by the Warkaris (people who follow the wari, a fundamental ritual). Palkhi is generally in the months of  June-July or Ashad (according to the Hindu Calender). The Wakaris collectively go in Dindis singing and dancing, chanting Dnyanba-Tukaram.
The Palkhi as a whole starts in the month of Jyeshth (June) and the whole process lasts a total of 22 days. But it reaches Pune in the months of June or Mid July. It has a stay in Pune and then it goes ahead on its way. It reaches Pandharpur on the eleventh day of the first half of the month of Ashadh.
The youngest son of Tukaram, Narayan baba in 1685, brought about a change in the Dindi-Wari tradition  by introducing the Palkhi, a sign of social respect.
The Silver Padukas (footsteps) of Tukaram were put in the Palkhi and Narayan baba proceeded with his dindi to Alandi where he put the padukas of Dnyaneshwar in the same Palkhi. In 1830 there was some dispute concerned with rights and privileges in the family of Tukaram. Following this, it was decided by some thoughtful persons to break-up the tradition of twin Palkhis and organise here after, two separate Palkhis - Tukaram Palkhi from Dehu and the Dnyaneshwar Palkhi from Alandi. Since then till date, the Tukaram Palkhi and the Dnyaneshwar Palkhi meet in Pune for a days halt and then diverge at Hadapsar to meet again at Wakhri, a village nearby to Pandharpur. About 2  lakh devotees proceed along with the Sant Tukaram Palkhi from Dehu village, while a total of 2.5 lakh devotees join the Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi.

Pola

The harvest festival is celebrated by farmers all over Pune. On this day bullocks, which are an integral part of the agricultural chores and consequently the village economy, are honored. They are bathed, colourfully decorated and taken out in processions across the village, accompanied by the music of drumbeats. Pola brings out an important appear of Hindu culture, which does not look upon cattle as mere beasts of burden, but treats them with dignity and gratitude.

Ratha Saptami

On Ratha-Saptami, a low platform is placed next to the Tulsi plant. Seven horses are drawn using red sandal paste (representing the seven horses of the Sun-god's chariot). Everything is used, in fact, red in colour on this occasion, as a symbol of the Sun God Surya, including flowers, kumkum etc. In the courtyard of the house, milk is heated in an earthen pot placed on dung-cakes. When the milk boils, it is allowed to spill over the edge of the pot.

Mahashivratri

On this day every Shiv Mandir is decorated. Lord Shiva is supposed to be very sacred & attracts lots of deities not only from Belgaum but also from distant places.

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