Pandharpur Wari 🌿– A Divine Walk of Faith 🍀

 

🍀🌿 Pandharpur Wari – A Divine Walk of Faith

By NammaChoice – Preserving Indian Cultural Heritage

📖 What is Pandharpur Wari?

Pandharpur Wari (also known as Ashadhi Wari) is a 700-year-old spiritual pilgrimage in Maharashtra. Every year, lakhs of devotees—called Warkaris—walk barefoot for over 250 kilometers to reach the holy town of Pandharpur, where the temple of Lord Vithoba (Vitthala) stands.

This journey is not just a physical walk; it’s a deeply devotional yatra, rich with bhajans, abhangas (devotional poetry), and seva (service to others).

🌟 Why is Pandharpur Wari Celebrated?

The Wari is a symbol of devotion to Lord Vitthala, a form of Vishnu/Krishna, and is celebrated during Ashadhi Ekadashi (usually in June–July).

It marks the annual pilgrimage to meet the Lord in Pandharpur, inspired by Saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram, who started this tradition as a movement of equality, devotion, and non-violence.

🕰️ When Did It Start?

  • The Wari tradition goes back over 700 years.

  • The first recorded Wari was by Sant Dnyaneshwar’s followers in the 13th century.

  • Sant Tukaram, in the 17th century, institutionalized the second major route from Dehu.

🛤️ How Long is the Journey?

  • The journey is around 21 days.

  • Two major palkhis (palanquin processions):

    • Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi from Alandi

    • Sant Tukaram Palkhi from Dehu

  • Distance: 230–260 km, depending on the route.

  • The palkhi halts in different villages, and every stop includes prayers, food distribution, and cultural programs.

👣 How Many People Participate?

  • Over 10 to 15 lakh devotees join the Wari every year.

  • It’s considered one of the largest and oldest public processions in the world.

  • People of all backgrounds, castes, and ages walk together, promoting unity and harmony.

🎵 Cultural Essence

  • Devotees sing abhangas (Marathi devotional poems) written by saints.

  • The Warkaris wear simple white clothes, carry tulsi plants, and chant "Vitthala! Vitthala!"

  • It’s a celebration of simplicity, spirituality, equality, and compassion.

🙏 Spiritual Impact

  • The Wari is not just a religious act—it’s a spiritual discipline.

  • It inspires people to live with humility, patience, and devotion.

  • Even today, the Wari remains self-organized and eco-conscious, showing the power of collective faith.

📍 Festival Highlights :

  • Started: june - july

  • Ashadhi Ekadashi (Main Day)

  • Location: Pandharpur, Solapur District, Maharashtra

🪔 “Wari is not a walk to the Lord, it is a walk with the Lord.”
— Let’s cherish this timeless tradition.

📌 Curated by NammaChoice – Celebrating India’s Hidden Cultures & Festivals.

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