Nagpur: The life, philosophy and enduring spiritual legacy of Sant Dnyaneshwar came alive through music, theatre and visual storytelling as the audio-visual production Dnyaneshwar Mauli captivated a packed audience at Scientific Hall, Laxmi Nagar, on Sunday. Presented to mark Ashadhi Ekadashi and the 750th birth anniversary of the revered saint, the production transported the audience into the world of the Warkari tradition, drawing repeated applause for its devotional music, performances and striking stage presentation.The production traced defining moments from Sant Dnyaneshwar’s life, including the religious assembly, the Jal Samadhi of his parents, the miracle of a buffalo reciting the Vedas, his encounter with Changdev and the celebrated episode of the moving wall. Conceptualised and produced by Manisha Kashikar and presented by Mudra Events, the programme was directed by Nikhil Tongale, with music composed by Parimal Joshi.The narrative also portrayed Lord Vitthal’s darshan at the Mohiniraj Temple and culminated with Dnyaneshwar’s Sanjeevan Samadhi on the banks of Indrayani River, leaving the audience visibly moved.Devotional fervour filled the auditorium as singers Manjiri Vaidya Iyer and Aditya Sawarkar rendered popular abhangs including Taati Ughada Dnyaneshwara, Ghanu Vaaje Runjhun, Kanada Raja Pandharicha, Are Are Dnyana Jhalasi Paavan, Indrayani Kathi and Rang Yei Vo. A live depiction of the traditional Wari emerged as one of the evening’s major attractions.The cast featured Sarthak Pandey as Nivruttinath, Yash Kher as Saint Dnyaneshwar, Gauri Sonatakke as Muktabai and Vikram Gurupanch as Sopandev. Narrator Aditya Deshkar offered insights into the saint’s teachings, highlighting how Sants Namdev and Eknath helped spread his philosophy.Also to mark Ashadhi Ekadashi, a ‘Warkari Dindi’ is being organised on Saturday. Over 3,000 students will take part in traditional attire. The procession is being jointly organised by Nutan Bharat Vidyalaya, NMC, ZP’s secondary education dept, Marathi Bhasha Gyan Samvardhan Pratishthan and Siddhivinayak Seva Trust. The Dindi will commence at 8 am from Shankar Nagar, flagged off by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, while Mayor Neeta Thakre will preside over the function.
