Waari at DLRC: My first time and what I loved

I’m new to DLRC. I joined just a few weeks before the Waari celebration when I was still finding my place in the community.

I’ll be honest. When I first heard about Waari, I didn’t know what to expect. It sounded like something traditional and spiritual, but I had never really experienced it before. I thought maybe I’d just sit and watch a few performances. But what actually happened? I was completely blown away!

Some of you must be wondering, ‘What exactly is Waari?’ Well, it’s an annual pilgrimage in Maharashtra where thousands of devotees, known as Warkaris, walk over 250 kilometres to Pandharpur to worship Lord Vitthal, a form of Vishnu. The journey starts from places like Alandi and Dehu and takes place between June and July, ending on Ashadhi Ekadashi. But Waari is more than just a long walk. It’s filled with singing, dancing and other festivities. And DLRC brought all of that spirit alive, right here on campus on July 12th!!

The entire amphitheatre was transformed. Bamboo mats were laid across the floor, and the stage was neatly set with a mic and various musical instruments. In one corner, a glowing projector displayed a stunning shadow art of Lord Vitthal composed of books (signifying Pustakanchi Waari) created by our Art facilitator Pradip Sir.

Shadow art of Lord Vitthal

The library was packed with teachers, performers, and the managing committee, all buzzing with excitement. Outside the library, shoes were already piling up, and Uddhav Dada’s chai spot was swarmed faster than I could blink. Screens placed at the amphitheatre displayed the live stream of the event even as parents in beautiful traditional outfits slowly trickled in. It already felt like something special was beginning!

Backstage at the library

The event opened with our Thematic, SST and Sociology facilitator Sarita Ma’am’s lovely introduction to Pustakanchi Waari, and then one by one, the anchors stepped in, each speaking a different language. Marathi. Hindi. English. Bengali. It was so thoughtful and inclusive. My friend Aarya, who was one of the anchors, later said, ‘It was great working with everybody and making Waari inclusive as there were people speaking in four languages.’

And it really was.

It felt like everyone had a voice. Like everyone belonged. And the performances? They were absolutely amazing. The Transition kids were the cutest in their tiny traditional outfits. Primary and Middle grade students sang and danced with so much heart. I even went up to the AV room for a bit, just to see how it all looked from above. And wow. The entire amphitheatre was full. My friends told me that DLRC had the biggest crowd for Waari this year!

The packed amphitheatre

While I was in the AV room, I also saw a bit of behind-the-scenes chaos. The live Insta stream crashed and our Admissions and Outreach coordinator, Anushka Ma’am, was hurriedly calling to get it fixed. It was stressful and hilarious at the same time.

One of my favourite parts was cheering on my friends who performed the Sufi song “Jugni” by Bulleh Shah. They are part of the Music Enrichment Club, and they were fantastic onstage. Later, I ran to the old basketball court for the much-awaited Grade 12 performance. But just as they were about to begin, an ambulance was inadvertently blocked by the parked cars on the road. Everyone was panicking for a while, but once that was cleared up and the performance started, it was absolutely worth the wait. I literally had to fight for a spot at the front of the crowd just to get a good view!

The Grade 12 performance

Then came one of the most powerful moments — the palkhi procession and the traditional ringann. Students from Grades 2, 10, and 12 walked in rhythm, carrying the palkhi and forming beautiful circular formations. Watching that made me feel something I can’t quite describe. Like I was part of something sacred, even though I’d never experienced it in my life before this.

And just when I thought it was over, the facilitators surprised us all with a lezim performance! Everyone started clapping and cheering and dancing along. My friends and I were smiling and recording the facilitators dance their hearts out.

After the event, we were all hanging around, still buzzing with energy. I took so many pictures. With my friends, of the performances, of the palkhi — everything. We even made a few fun reels while waiting for our autos. Mine came 20 minutes late, by the way. But none of us minded. We were just happy. Tired, but the really good kind of tired.

I started that day knowing nothing about Waari. But by the end of it, I felt like I’d been a part of something deeply meaningful. I felt proud of DLRC, of how beautifully and quickly the community put everything together.

Waari isn’t just a tradition; it’s also a feeling. It’s people coming together with devotion, music, colour, and energy to create something that stays with you for a long time. We may not have walked 250 kilometres to Pandharpur, but for one day, we walked together.

By Tanvi Thombare, Grade 11