Padayatra to Dakor began today with the roll of thunder of chants of Jai Ranchhod, and the air resounded with devotion and spiritual passion. The hundreds of thousands of followers all over Gujarat have started walking to the holy town and have turned highways and village streets to colorful rivers of faith and cohesion.
The Shri Ranchhodraiji Temple, a temple of lord Krishna in his Ranchhod form, is also located in Dakor. An example of religion being an expression of gratitude, penance and undying devotion, the pilgrimage, which is traditionally performed during the auspicious full moon of the Hindu month of Phalgun, attracts devotees who make the journey.
Cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Anand and other neighbouring districts started their pilgrimage in the early hours with many of them carrying saffron flags and singing bhajans on their way. Concourses of followers, both young and old, were walking around barefoot, constantly shouting Jai Ranchhod, and the effect was spiritually charged and spread throughout the land.
Volunteers and local organisations have established service camps on major routes to supply the yatris with drinking water, medical care, refreshments and resting areas. Community kitchens (bhandaras) are serving free meals in the spirit of seva and involvement, which characterize the Padayatra.
Local governments have also gone to great lengths in order to deal with the flow of worshippers. Senior security guards have been posted on major roads, and traffic diversion strategies have been introduced to keep the pilgrims safe. Emergency services and medical teams are on alert in case of a contingency.
The Padayatra has been experiencing a gradual influx of visitors in Dakor. The decorative lights and religious banners are also ready in the shops and the local markets, where the devotees will come to seek darshan in the temple. There are special aartis and rituals planned in the next several days, which will culminate in the great celebrations on the night of the full moon.
The Dakor Padayatra is not just a pilgrimage, it is also a festivity of religion, culture and social unity. The melting pot of devotional songs, the common food and the joint prayers have once again brought back the religious life of Gujarat, confirming the cultural value of centuries-old pilgrimage.
