A journey of faith

Tripoto
Photo of A journey of faith by Sayandeep Roy

Pandharpur Wari or Wari is an annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur, the seat of the Hindu god Vithoba in the Indian state of Maharashtra, in honour of the deity.

Palakhis (palanquin processions) carrying the foot prints of various saints - most notably Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram - from the Varkari (Warkari, "one who performs the Wari") sect (which venerates Vithoba), are taken from their respective shrines to Pandharpur. The tradition is more than 700 to 800 years old. Dnyaneshwar's palakhi leaves while Tukaram's begins at Dehu; both in Pune district of Maharashtra. The journey takes about 21 days.

This series of photos were taken at the beginning of Qari, starting from Alandi. If you are interested in India's rich culture, this is a spectacle you should not miss!

A group of pilgrims crossing a river over a dam.

Photo of A journey of faith by Sayandeep Roy

A boy searches for coins thrown into the river as offerings.

Photo of A journey of faith by Sayandeep Roy

The police creates a human barrier to control the crowd.

Photo of A journey of faith by Sayandeep Roy

Faith.

Photo of A journey of faith by Sayandeep Roy

A group of pilgrims dry their clothes on a hill on the way to Pandharpur.

Photo of A journey of faith by Sayandeep Roy

The crowd surrounding the Palakhi.

Photo of A journey of faith by Sayandeep Roy

A boy seeking coconuts takes shelter under a plastic bag as it starts raining.

Photo of A journey of faith by Sayandeep Roy

Pilgrims take bath in the ice cold water of Indrayani River, before starting the walk.

Photo of A journey of faith by Sayandeep Roy

How to reach Alandi:

Buses are available every hour from Swargate, Pune, all day long. It takes about two hours to reach Alandi.

When:

Wari takes place around June-July every year.