Pune: A group of transgenders whose request to participate in the Ashadhi Wari, the annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur on foot, felt dejected two years ago. However, a group of warkaris accepted them later.
Narrating their experience, Dr Dipamammi Nandgiri said, “I wanted to join Ashadhi Wari since my childhood. But we faced resistance due to our sexual status. Two years ago, we were denied permission to walk along warkaris. Later, Gawali Maharaj from Pandharpur helped us to join a Dindi (a group of warkaris). Then I realised that if you have a genuine yearning for God, your wish is granted.”
Dr Nandgiri said, “I have been participating in the Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi procession for the past two years. Our group of transgenders joins Sant Rohidas Maharaj Dindi number 13. We are a group of 7-8 in the Dindi comprising 250 warkaris. We are treated equally by fellow warkaris. Since others respect and love us, we have never felt that we are different from others. We long for Lord Vitthal and feel that He reciprocates by showering blessings on us.”
