23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
The Sacred Collective

The Indian festival known as 'Pandharpur Wari' is a 21 day annual holy pilgrimage in Maharashtra, India that honors the deity Lord Vithoba, a form of Lord Krishna. The pilgrimage is marked by devotion, community bonding, and vibrant processions. The participants in the Wari are called ‘Warakaris’. A small group of Warakaris is called a Dindi. All dindis combined are called Wari. There will be many events including Collective singing, dancing, and chanting by Devotees. Every year, millions of devotees walk along the 250 km route during the festival. The Wari is a testament to the timeless devotion of the Warkari tradition. Wari helps people acquire peace and introspection, pay a tribute to the Marathi culture, and obtain a greater purpose in life

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: India
Camera: ILCE-7M3
Copyright: © Jepin Krishna