Varkari is a religious movement sampraday within

thebhakti spiritual tradition of Hinduism. It is geographically

associated with the Indian states of Maharashtra and
northern Karnataka. In the Marathi language of
Maharashtra, vari वारी means 'pilgrimage' and a pilgrim is
called a varkari. Every year, Varkari walk hundreds of miles
to the holy town of Pandharpur, gathering there
on ekadashi the 11th day of the Hindu lunar calendarmonth
of Aashaadha which falls sometime in July. Another
pilgrimage is celebrated on the ekadashi of the month
of Kartik which falls sometime in November.

Varkaris worship Vithoba also known as Vitthal, the

presiding deity of Pandharpur. Vithoba is a form ofKrishna,
an avatar incarnation of Vishnu. Because of this association
with Vishnu, Varkari is a branch ofVaishnavism. The
teachers responsible for establishing and supporting the
movement through its history
include Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, Chokhamela and
Eknath, who are accorded the Marathi title of Sant Saint.
Varkari making the pilgrimage to Pandharpur carry
the palkhis palanquins of the saints from their places
of samadhi enlightenment or "spiritual birth". According to
historians, Vitthal devotees were holding pilgrimages prior
even to Saint Dnyaneshwar of the 13th century. However,
the current tradition of carrying the paduka sandals of the
saints in a palkhi was started by the youngest son of Sant
Tukaram, Narayan Maharaj, in 1685. Further changes were
brought in by Haibatraobuwa and descendents of Sant
Tukaram in the 1820s. Today about 40 palkhis of saints
from all over Maharashtra come to Pandharpur with their
devotees.
Meaning of warkari

Maharashtra has very beautifull history of "Palkhi". Warkaris meanings -

People who follow the wari, a fundamental ritual.Warkari is a religious
movement (sampraday) within the bhakti spiritual tradition of Hinduism.
In the Marathi language of Maharashtra, Warkari as War + Kari was defined
as:

• ‘Wari’:- derives from 'War' the 'regular occurenece' or 'coming & going'
of pilgrime to Shirdi;
• 'Kari':- is one who does this pilgrimage.

Warkari is a person who although living in the midst of his family & carrying
on his profession or trade has pledged himself to reachMoksha (Salvation).

Every year, Warkari walk hundreds of miles to the holy town of Shirdi,
gathering there on GuruPournima (the 9th day) of the Hindu lunar calendar
month of Aashaadha (which falls sometime in July). Warkaris worship Shri
SaiBaba, the presiding deity of Shirdi, who is identified with Krishna, an
avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu. Because of this association with Vishnu,
Warkari is a branch of Vaishnavism. The teachers responsible for
establishing and supporting the movement through its history include
Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, Chokhamela and Eknath, who are
accorded the Marathi title of Sant (Saint).Warkari making the pilgrimage to
Shirdi carry the palkhis of the saints from Pune.