Pandharpur / Shivaji Halanavar
The Ashadhi Wari — considered the soul of Maharashtra's culture and devotion — has now crossed the seven seas. Chanting the name of Vitthal, the world's first 'Global Dindi' has set off from Windsor, London, heading toward Pandharpur. Notably, this dindi will travel through 11 countries before arriving in Pandharpur on July 26 — the auspicious day of Ashadhi Ekadashi.
Saffron flags, tal-mridung, a palanquin, and the resounding chants of Vitthal devotees transformed the atmosphere in London into a true warkari experience. Hundreds of Marathi devotees from England and across Europe have joined this unique dindi. The route passes through London, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Turkey, and Georgia before entering India.
A highlight of the departure was the simultaneous beat of 100 dhol-tasha drums, leaving a remarkable imprint of Marathi culture on London. The initiative was conceived by Anil Khedkar, a Vitthal devotee originally from Ahmednagar district who is settled in London, and is seen as an effort to connect the global Marathi community with the Wari tradition.
The Pandharpur Wari is not merely a pilgrimage — it is a symbol of Maharashtra's spirituality, culture, and unity. As this tradition now leaps onto the world stage, warkaris and Marathi communities are expressing the sentiment that "the Wari has gone global." Thousands of kilometres separate London from Pandharpur, but the thread of devotion remains firmly tied to the feet of Vitthal.
Meanwhile, the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Sohala is scheduled to depart from Alandi on July 8. Alongside the traditional Wari, this year's Global Dindi is set to be a special attraction of the Ashadhi Wari, drawing the attention of warkaris and devotees across the state.
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