Pandharpur Wari - Jul '26
Throughout my photography journey, my primary focus has always been landscapes, with wildlife also playing an important part. Landscape photography will always remain close to my heart and continue to be my primary genre.
However, after spending considerable time photographing landscapes and wildlife, I now feel the urge to shift gears a little and explore another fascinating facet of photography— culture, traditions and festivals.
India’s incredible diversity offers a world of stories waiting to be discovered - ancient traditions, vibrant festivals, rituals, communities, crafts, and everyday moments that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. I would like to approach this genre not simply as a documentation of events, but as an exploration of the people, emotions, stories and sense of place behind them. This feels less like a departure from my journey so far and more like an expansion of it - a chance to see India through a different lens.
Over the past few years, I have photographed the vibrant Holi celebrations in Braj ( https://www.gopsview.com/post/braj-ki-holi-feb-18), Theyyam in Kerala (https://www.gopsview.com/post/theyyam-mar-19) and the extraordinary Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh state of India (https://www.gopsview.com/post/maha-kumbh-mela-feb-25). Each of these experiences has offered a glimpse into a world where faith, tradition, community and celebration come together in remarkable ways.
As I continue this journey, I am starting with The Wari - A Journey of Faith, Devotion and Community, the annual foot pilgrimage to the Lord Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra.
Tour Date : 15th July ’26 to 18th July ‘26
Company : ASP Photo Tour led by Arun Saha
Lord Vitthal, also known as Vithoba, is revered as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. For more than seven centuries, the Wari has brought together people across social, economic and cultural boundaries, transforming a long and arduous journey into a celebration of community, devotion and faith.
The pilgrims, known as Warkaris, form Dindis (organised processional groups) and walk hundreds of kilometres carrying the Palkhis, (the palanquins) bearing the sacred Padukas (silver footprint sandals), of two of Maharashtra's most revered saints: Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. The Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi begins its journey from Dehu, while the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi begins from Alandi. Both eventually make their way to Pandharpur, where the devotees gather to honour Lord Vitthal.
The culmination of the pilgrimage takes place in Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, on the banks of the Bhima River, popularly known here as the Chandrabhaga. Before dawn, thousands of Warkaris take a sacred bath in the river before making their way towards the temple.
Ashadhi Ekadashi is an important Hindu holy day dedicated to Lord Vishnu and marks the beginning of Chaturmas — the four-month period traditionally associated with the divine sleep of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that on this day, Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra, resting upon the serpent Shesha, until Prabodhini Ekadashi, roughly four months later.
But the Wari is much more than the destination ......
Weeks before Ashadhi Ekadashi, the roads of Maharashtra begin to fill with streams of Warkaris walking through villages, towns and countryside. They travel for hundreds of kilometres, accompanied by trucks and bullock carts carrying food and other supplies. Along the way, they cook their own meals, while villagers often open their homes and kitchens to offer food and hospitality to the pilgrims. The journey is filled with music, colour and movement.
Along the dusty roads, the Warkaris participate in Ringan — a spectacular ritual in which groups carrying saffron flags and musical instruments circle the procession. Women walk carrying beautifully decorated pots, including Tulsi Vrindavan containing sacred Tulsi plants or pots filled with water. At the heart of the ritual is the sacred, riderless horse, believed by devotees to be guided by the spirit of the saint. The atmosphere is electric. Music fills the air. There is singing, dancing and fugdi — a traditional circular dance performed by groups of women. The sheer energy and collective devotion seem to erase the physical exhaustion of walking day after day.
The Warkaris are recognisable in their simple white attire, carrying Patakas (saffron flags) and traditional musical instruments such the mridangam (drum), taal (small cymbals), veena (string instrument), ektara (one-stringed musical instrument) and chipli (wooden clappers).
Ektara Mridangam Chipli Mridangam Patakas Taal
Through the long journey, their voices repeatedly rise in a powerful chant:
“Pundalika Varade Hari Vitthal, Shri Dnyandev Tukaram.” - A salutation to Lord Hari Vitthal, the benefactor of Pundalik, and to the revered saints Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram.
The entire pilgrimage takes approximately twenty days, but the Wari is not simply a journey measured in kilometres or days. It is a journey of faith, discipline, humility and togetherness. What struck me most is the sheer diversity of people who undertake it — men, women, children and the elderly; people from villages and cities; people from different walks of life — all walking together with an extraordinary sense of purpose. There is a remarkable simplicity to the Wari. No elaborate possessions, no comforts, no concern for physical hardship. Just faith, music, devotion and the collective strength of thousands walking towards the same destination.
Perhaps that is what makes the Wari so powerful to experience and photograph.
A glimpse of the Wari ..
Drone shots Video Credit - Arun Saha
As a photographer, I am drawn not only to the colour, movement and spectacle, but also to the quieter moments — a weathered face, tired feet, a helping hand, a spontaneous smile, a moment of prayer, or the silence that exists between the chants.
For me, this is the beginning of a new chapter in my photographic journey — one where I hope to look beyond landscapes and wildlife and explore the landscapes of India's people, culture, traditions and faith.
My Wari journey began in Jejuri, a town best known for the famous Shri Khandoba Temple. Perched on a hill and reached by a long flight of steps, the temple and its surroundings offered a fitting beginning to this journey into Maharashtra's rich culture and traditions. I spent some time photographing this beautiful temple, and have included a few images in the album.
Jejuri Temple ...
We stayed for two nights in Jejuri before setting out again, travelling onwards to Taradgaon and Belewadi, following the Wari route and gradually becoming immersed in its unique rhythm and atmosphere.
The final day of the journey took us to Indapur, bringing this memorable photographic expedition to a close. Along the way, the landscapes, people, rituals, and quiet moments of the Wari offered countless opportunities to observe and photograph a tradition that is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Maharashtra.
One has to experience the Wari to truly understand the passion, devotion, simplicity and commitment of its people.
A special thanks to Arun, whose planning, enthusiasm and mentorship made this a truly wonderful and memorable experience.
And the Enthusiastic group ....
To view the album --> https://gvgops6.wixstudio.com/pandharpur-vari-jul
Hi Gopal,
Found the write up very information and the photographs equally interesting!
Very well written. Loved the photos.
Well written and beautiful photos gopal.
Very interesting to read the article with all the details.
Gowri
Beautiful read
Superb, Gopal!! Look forward to more such journeys from your lens.....😊