By Stoka Krsna Dasa (Managing Director of IPM and IKM)
The Dindi Padayatra from Dehu to Pandharpur and Alandi to Pandharpur has now completed 30 glorious years. This year’s celebration was especially auspicious as it marked the completion of three decades of this devotional service.
There were three rathas this year, one from Alandi, one from Dehu, and one that started from Pune. The Dehu ratha was a new, beautifully designed full-steel ratha that looked very impressive. It will be used for the first time from this year’s yatra.
Early in the morning, Lokanath Maharaja arrived and was welcomed with a grand kirtan. He then came to the place where all three rathas were assembled, with the deities of Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and Srila Prabhupada present. He offered Their Lordships flowers with great devotion.
Maharaja ji then delivered a very inspiring class on the significance of the dindi to all the assembled devotees. He spoke about how he has organized padayatras in more than 100 countries and emphasized that this tradition and its message should spread throughout the world. He explained that Srila Prabhupada personally entrusted him with this service, and by his mercy the service has continued to flourish.The event was honoured to have a very special guest, Mr Tapan Singhel, MD and CEO of Bajaj Finserv Group, accompanied by his good wife, both of whom sought the blessings of Lokanath Swami Maharaja and Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami Maharaja.
In his address, Mr Tapan Singhel spoke about the Bhagavad-gita and shared how he applies its teachings in his daily life. He appreciated ISKCON and praised the Dindi Padayatra organized by Lokanath Swami Maharaja for so many years, recognizing how it has spread the glories of the Holy Name far and wide.
During the inauguration ceremony, an arati was performed in the presence of His Grace Radheshyam Prabhu and other senior devotees. The arati was offered by His Holiness Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami Maharaja and His Holiness Lokanath Swami Maharaja. Afterwards, the traditional coconut-breaking ceremony was held to mark the inauguration.
Following the inauguration, Lokanath Maharaja sat on the newly inaugurated ratha. He wore the traditional warkari topi and looked magnificent. Seated at the front of the ratha, he guided it forward while Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami Maharaja led an ecstatic kirtan.
It was one of the most memorable moments of the event. Devotees joyfully danced in the kirtan, enthusiastically took photographs, and the entire atmosphere was filled with happiness and devotion. Even the oxen pulling the ratha appeared joyful, making the occasion even more heartwarming. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
Sarvalakshan Prabhu performed the arati for the third ratha. The inauguration itself was performed by the hands of Lokanath Swami Maharaja. The ceremonial coconut-breaking was carried out by Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami Maharaja, Radheshyam Prabhu, Keshav Prabhu, and other senior devotees including ISKCON Pune temple president Lalit Madhav Prabhu.
Dindi is the heart of all warkaris, a padayatra where devotees of Lord Vitthal walk towards Pandharpur to meet their beloved Lord, whom they call Mauli meaning compassionate mother. Lokanath Maharaja, the Tukaram of ISKCON, gave us this marvelous dindi and padayatra where we can serve and walk for the pleasure of the Lord. These three dindis connected us to the culture of Maharashtra. It was a great event and the devotees marched towards Pandharpur with love in their hearts.
It was raining while the dindis were on the road. But devotees didn’t care; they just walked to meet their Lord.
Sri Sri Nitai-Gaurasundar ki jai.
Dindi ki jai.
Srila Prabhupada ki jai.
Lokanath Maharaja ki jai.
