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The visible public manifestation of the Varkari cult are during the Ashadhi and Kartiki fairs held at Pandharpur. Numerous people trek their way to Pandharpur on foot, in the company of the palanquins of the various saints. Approximately a month before the Pandharpur yatra in Ashadha the palanquins containing the padukas and masks of the saints are taken out from the places where they have been laid to rest. The palkhi of Jnyaneshvar sets out from Alandi while that of Tukaram from Dehu, from Tryambakeshvar goes that of Nivrittinath, and from Paithan that of Ekanath. Nearly sixty palanquins from all over Maharashtra flock to Pandharpur. Each palkhi is accompanied by a number of Dindis or bhajan parties who sing the abhangas of various saints along the route. The procession reaches Pandharpur on the tenth day of the latter half of the month, that is one day before the ekadashi.
The whole area is full of Varkaris, of all ages and descriptions and theatmosphere is full of the cheers that have echoed throughout the Iength and breadth of the country for hundreds of years, 'Jai Jai Vithoba-Rakhumait, Jai Jai Vithoba Rakhumai!'
Pandhari was created first, only then Vaikunthi-nagari Pandharpur was in existence even when nothing (else) with or without life existed.
Chandrabhaga was there even when Ganga and Godavari were yet to be born. Blessed is the auspicious Pandhari that stands on the banks of the Bhima. Pandharpur remains undisturbed even when the rest of the world goes to pieces. Its foundation is nothing less than the Sudarshan chekra (of Vishnu) and hence its indestructible nature.
Oh Shri Hari, I have seen with my eyes this Pandbari says Nama.
-Namdev.
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