Chala Wari

Half a million devotees from all over Maharashtra take part in the on-foot journey in groups, irrespective of their caste, creed, gender, or age, these groups of devotees are addressed as ‘Dindis’.

There are more than 200 Dindi on each route. Each Dindi consists of 100 and 500 members

The tradition of this Wari is quite old, an 8th-century ancient story, and there are two main cultures of Vari and Dindi started by Saint Tukaram's son Taponidh Narayan Maharaj in 1685 which is why the Warkaris carry paduka ( foot sandals ) of Saint Tukaram to Pandharpur.

There are two different palkhi ( palanquin ) that are being carried from two different routes i.e. Saint Tukaram Palkhi and Saint Dnyaneshwar Palkhi.

The aim of these Dindis or devotees who walk in large numbers is to emphasize life moral behaviors and strict avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, the adoption of a sattivic diet, a modified Lacto-vegetarian diet that excludes onion and garlic, and fasting on Ekadashi day.

From elderly pilgrims to young girls and boys all eagerly wait for this Wari to take place to show their true devotion to their Lord Vithhal by carrying Palkis of the saints from their places of Samadhi (Enlightenment or "spiritual birth").