The Soul of Maharashtra: A Glimpse into Vari Through Generations

Today started like any other — scrolling through WhatsApp statuses, half-asleep, expecting the usual good morning quotes and random reels — but then boom! this gem popped up: a photo so full of love, tradition, and those million-dollar smiles, it made me sit up straight (and spill some chai).

I stared at it longer than I care to admit. There was something about that little boy’s joyful grin, sitting proudly in his grandfather’s arms, surrounded by saffron flags and soulful energy — it wasn’t just a picture, it was a whole feeling. A sudden reminder of what it means to belong, to celebrate, and to carry culture with pride.

In a world racing towards modernity, some moments pause time. They remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what truly matters. One such moment is beautifully captured in the photograph above — a radiant child sitting atop his grandfather’s arms, dressed in traditional attire, amid the saffron sea of devotees. This isn’t just an image; it’s an embodiment of Maharashtra’s sacred journey — the Vari (वारी).

What is “Vari”?

The term “Vari” in Marathi means ‘a pilgrimage’ or ‘a religious journey’, and in the context of Maharashtra, it specifically refers to the Pandharpur Vari, an annual spiritual procession undertaken by Warkaris — devotees of Lord Vitthal (Vithoba), the presiding deity of Pandharpur.

Each year, lakhs of devotees walk from various towns like Alandi (Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj) and Dehu (Sant Tukaram Maharaj) to reach Pandharpur, covering hundreds of kilometers on foot. They carry the Padukas (footprints) of the saints in Palkhis (palanquins), singing Abhangas (devotional songs), dancing, and spreading messages of equality, devotion, and community.

Significance of Vari

1. Spiritual Devotion:
   The Vari is not just about reaching Pandharpur. It’s about the journey of faith — walking with devotion, chanting Lord Vitthal’s name, and surrendering oneself to the divine.

2. Cultural Preservation:
   Every step taken during this pilgrimage is a step in preserving Marathi culture, literature, and spirituality. Warkaris recite timeless works of saints like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar, ensuring their teachings live on.

3. Unity and Equality:
   The Vari welcomes everyone — irrespective of caste, creed, gender, or social status. It reflects Sant Tukaram’s vision of a casteless and classless society, where devotion binds all hearts as one.

4. Generational Bonding:
   As seen in the photograph, the older generation introduces the younger to the beauty of their traditions. The smile of the child and the pride in the grandfather’s eyes reflect the joy of passing down values and keeping identity alive.

What did I see in the Photograph?

This vibrant image speaks louder than any words:

• The grandfather, perhaps a seasoned Warkari, holding his grandson, dressed in a red vest and white dhoti, is a symbol of heritage being carried forward.

• The saffron flags in the background flutter not just in the wind, but in the spirit of Maharashtra’s devotion.

• The expressions — smiling, humble, content — are proof that the greatest joy comes from shared roots and collective faith.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, such scenes become rare. And yet, in Maharashtra, they thrive every year, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the Warkaris.

Why We Must Preserve Vari?

"आपली संस्कृती, भाषा, साहित्य यांचं जतन केलंच पाहिजे.. तरंच ते पुढच्या पिढीला जगायला आणि अनुभवायला मिळते.!"

Translated, it means:
"We must preserve our culture, language, and literature... only then can the next generation live and experience it."

This is more than a statement — it’s a call to action.

We are the custodians of our culture, and it is our responsibility to ensure it doesn't fade away in the noise of modernity. By participating in or supporting traditions like the Vari, we bridge the gap between the past and the future.

The Pandharpur Vari is not merely a religious journey — it is a living heritage, a walking festival of the soul, and a reminder of who we are. The photograph is a timeless frame of this essence — capturing devotion, joy, and tradition in one.

Let us cherish such moments. Let us walk the path.
Let us carry our culture on our shoulders, just like that proud grandfather — with a smile, with love, and with unwavering faith.