High-tech chariot gives modern touch to old religious event

A battery-operated and lighter in weight silver chariot is being used to carry the "padukas" of Maharashtra's revered saint Dnyaneshwar to the pilgrim town of Pandharpur by lakhs of devotees undertaking the "Ashadhi Ekadashi" yatra on foot.
One of the most awaited events in the State's cultural calendar, the annual "Ashadhi Ekadashi" pilgrimage undertaken by the Vitthala devotees (called "warkaris") began today from Alandi, the samadhi place of the saint on the banks of Indrayani, about 22 kms from here.
The silver chariot carrying Dnyaneshwar's "padukas" (footwear) in a palanquin will travel to Pandharpur, negotiating a stretch of about 250 km to reach there by Ekadashi day (July 19), with the warkaris walking along chanting the Lord's name.

"A bullock pulling the chariot had died on way during last year's pilgrimage. We then approached the city-based Research and Development Establishment-Engineers (RDE) and they designed the new high-tech chariot for us," said Sudhir Pimple, Trustee, Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan Committee, which organises the event.
The chariot, which will be on its inaugural journey watched by lakhs of devotees, is made of composite material comprising carbon fiber, making it lighter in weight with a battery operated mould which will make it easy for the bullocks to pull it through steep stretches on the way.
The RDE, a defence establishment, had undertaken the redesigning of the chariot as part of its corporate social responsibility, he noted.

The speed of the chariot will be maintained with the battery operated electrical system in consonance with the strength and capacity of the bullocks, who are integral part of the traditional journey of the palanquin, he said.
Meanwhile, district administration and police have made elaborate arrangements to facilitate entry of the palanquin procession in the city on July 1. Security has been enhanced in view of the mammoth nature of the congregation of devotees who would set out en route Pandharpur on July 3.
Transport authorities have arranged for about 300 additional buses to ply between Alandi and Pandharpur to ease the rush of pilgrims.