Russians, Germans begin annual padyatra

Scores of devotees from Russia, Germany and other parts of the world belonging to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) began their 'Hare Krishna Dindi' on Tuesday to take part in the traditional padayatra to Pandharpur for blessings from Lord Vithal on 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' falling on July 10th.

Dancing and singing in devotional joy in front of the divine forms of the Lord drawn on an elegant carriage by sturdy bulls, the ISKCON Dindi will reach Pandharpur in 14 days and thereafter continue on foot to the Kumbha Mela in Nashik as part of the round-the-year Maharashtra padayatra.

Spokesperson of ISKCON, Pune, Chitanya Charan Das informed that the 'Hare Krishna Dindi' is in its 7th year and is growing steadily.

"In the present times, there is a serious imbalance in material and spiritual values. Festivals like these help people to restore the balance, harmonise with their inner natures and thus rejuvenate themselves" he said.