"The dindi on Friday is about 12 to 15 kilometres away from Wakri Ringan, steadily approaching its sacred destination — the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur," Santosh, a Warkari said
Santosh Baghwanrao with his dindi.
The third annual Param Pujya Sadhguru Narasham Maharaj Dindi, led by Lagu Anandi Yeuti, began its spiritual march to Pandharpur on June 13, starting from Bavalgaon in Nanded district. This year, the dindi (group) includes around 300 Warkaris (devotees), all walking together in deep devotion to Lord Vitthal, the beloved deity of Maharashtra.
Speaking about the journey to mid-day.com, Narsingh Maharaj Donglikar, a senior Warkari from the group, expressed his gratitude. “The journey so far has been very fulfilling. The weather has supported us well, not too hot, not too rainy. It has been pleasantly cloudy, and that’s made the entire Wari (pilgrimage) experience enjoyable,” he said.
Donglikar shared that the Warkaris will perform traditional rituals, which include a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga river, followed by Nagar Pradakshina, kirtans, bhajans, and the chanting of Haripath. The Warkari tradition will also be reflected in devotional group dances such as Fugdi, the observance of Danicharya (ritual alms), and other practices rooted in the Vaishnava philosophy.
"The Chief Minister’s Warkari Corporation has played a key role in ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for the pilgrims this year, offering logistical support and facilities along the route," Donglikar further added.
Among the devotees is Santosh Baghwanrao, a Warkari from Nanded who has been participating in the Wari since 1991. For the past 15 years, he has undertaken the pilgrimage on foot on a regular basis.
"The dindi on Friday was about 12 to 15 kilometres away from Wakri Ringan, steadily approaching its sacred destination — the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur," Santosh said while speaking to mid-day.com.
“I come each year to seek Vitthal-Rakhumai’s blessings and to feel spiritually renewed. The peace and sense of purpose I find on this path is truly indescribable,” said Baghwanrao.
Another Warkari, speaking to mid-day.com, explained that the tradition of Wari dates back centuries. “In earlier times, Vitthal devotees would travel to Pandharpur with their families. Even Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj undertook the Wari with their loved ones,” he said, adding, “Later, Sant Tukaram’s grandson encouraged devotees to go in large groups rather than just with families — and that’s how the organised dindis became a central part of the Wari.”
For the night, the Sant Dnyaneshwar palanquin stops in the Bhandishegao village. Warkaris takes rest in the village after performing the Aarti and Bhajan on 03/07/2025.
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Interview with Shrimant Urjit Singh Shitole Sarkar, a descendant of Shrimant Shitole Sarkar, who provided… https://t.co/W4eRnNFnnA pic.twitter.com/uNK4rDPROY
The grand tradition of Pandharpur Wari
The Pandharpur Wari is a revered spiritual tradition that draws millions of devotees every year. It is a 250-kilometre-long pilgrimage that spans across nearly 20 days, culminating in the temple town of Pandharpur on the auspicious day of Ashadhi Ekadashi, which this year falls on July 6 this year.
Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli Maharaj Ringan at Wakhari on 04/07/2025.
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Devotees are forming a circle around the idol and performing kirtan and prayers. A pilgrimage celebrating devotion and unity, filled with music, dance, and the traditions of Pandharpur.
VC: @KIRTISURVE… pic.twitter.com/Oa6DEILiii
At the heart of this spiritual odyssey are the two grand palkhi processions — one that begins from Dehu, carrying the padukas (holy footprints) of Sant Tukaram Maharaj (started on June 18), and the other from Alandi, bearing the padukas of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj (started on June 19).
These processions wind through towns and villages, welcomed with devotion and celebration at each halt.
Throughout the journey, the Warkaris engage in abhangas, bhajans, spiritual discourses, and community meals, creating a deeply immersive environment of faith, unity, and service. More than just a religious walk, the Wari becomes a moving celebration of Maharashtra’s Bhakti movement, preserving the teachings and legacies of the saint-poets who shaped it.
With heartfelt devotion, the Warkaris continue their journey — barefoot and joyous — carrying centuries of spiritual heritage forward in song, prayer, and unwavering belief to meet their deity.
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