Pandharpur Wari

In short: Pandharpur Wari: from Alandi and Dehu to Pandharpur. Length: around 240 km, duration: 21 days. Best time: June and July.

Overview

The Wari is a centuries-old walking pilgrimage in the state of Maharashtra. Every year in the Hindu month of Ashadha, pilgrims known as Warkaris walk from Alandi and Dehu to the Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur. They carry the sandals of the poet-saints Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram in palanquins.

The around 240 kilometres take 21 days. The groups walk singing, with hand cymbals and orange flags, and the tradition recognises no caste differences. In the stage towns, local residents look after the pilgrims.

The Wari falls in the monsoon season, so expect rain. For travellers it is more something to join for a few days than a hike in the European sense.

Planning your stages

How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 240 kilometres, with one rest day a week.

Who is this route for?

With some hiking experience this route is very manageable. Expect climbs and keep your days from getting too long.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Asia, Pilgrimage in India, sorted by religion under Hindu pilgrimage routes.