Chhaya Kadam walks 20 km barefoot in Maharashtra's Wari pilgrimage
Synopsis
Chhaya Kadam, one of Indian cinema's most acclaimed character actors, traded the film set for a barefoot 20-km walk through Maharashtra's ancient Wari pilgrimage — for the second time. Dressed in a Nauvari saree and walking amid turmeric clouds and chanting Warkaris from Saswad to Jejuri, her journey offers a rare window into the devotional life behind a celebrated screen presence.
Key Takeaways
Chhaya Kadam walked nearly 20 kilometres barefoot during Maharashtra's Wari pilgrimage on 15 July .
The route ran from Saswad to Jejuri , alongside thousands of Warkaris .
This was her second time completing the Wari, as stated in her own social media caption.
She wore a traditional purple and green Nauvari saree with a Maharashtrian nath and yellow tilak.
Kadam is known for Laapataa Ladies , Madgaon Express , and a long career in Marathi cinema including Fandry and Sairat .
Actress Chhaya Kadam, celebrated for her role in Kiran Rao's critically acclaimed film Laapataa Ladies, walked nearly 20 kilometres barefoot as part of Maharashtra's revered Wari pilgrimage on 15 July, joining thousands of Warkaris on the route from Saswad to Jejuri. The actress shared her experience through a series of photos and videos on her social media account, offering followers an intimate look at the spiritual journey.
The Pilgrimage Walk
Kadam completed the barefoot trek alongside a vast gathering of devotees, dressed in a traditional purple and green Nauvari saree, accessorised with a Maharashtrian nath, a choker necklace, and a bright yellow tilak on her forehead. In her Marathi caption — translated into English — she wrote: 'For the second time, I completed the Wari from Saswad to Jejuri. Wari and the Warkaris.'
Visuals from her post show her walking barefoot on the highway amid thousands of pilgrims, seeking blessings as a devotee applied a sacred tilak on her forehead, and offering prayers near a richly decorated palkhi. She was also seen posing beside adorned horses, which play a ceremonial role in the pilgrimage, and greeting fellow Warkaris with folded hands.
Spiritual Atmosphere at Jejuri
One clip captured the distinctive fervour of the gathering — devotees chanting and praying amid clouds of turmeric, a hallmark of the traditions associated with Jejuri's Khandoba temple. The festive and devotional energy of the annual event was evident throughout the carousel post.
About the Wari Pilgrimage
The Wari is one of Maharashtra's oldest and most significant religious pilgrimages, drawing lakhs of devotees who walk for days to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal in Pandharpur. This is the second time Kadam has undertaken the pilgrimage, underscoring her personal connection to the tradition.
Chhaya Kadam's Career
Kadam has steadily built one of the most respected bodies of work in Indian cinema. Beyond Laapataa Ladies, she was seen in the hit comedy Madgaon Express and has been a prominent figure in Marathi cinema through films including Fandry, Sairat, Nude, Jhund, Bhirkit, and Baaplyok, as well as several acclaimed Marathi theatre productions. Her participation in the Wari reflects a personal spirituality that sits alongside her professional acclaim.
Point of View
The Wari is less a celebrity gesture and more a natural extension of the world she has always inhabited on screen.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wari pilgrimage that Chhaya Kadam participated in?
The Wari is one of Maharashtra's oldest religious pilgrimages, in which lakhs of devotees walk for days to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal at the Pandharpur temple. Chhaya Kadam walked the Saswad-to-Jejuri stretch, covering nearly 20 kilometres barefoot alongside thousands of Warkaris.
How far did Chhaya Kadam walk during the Wari?
Kadam walked nearly 20 kilometres barefoot, from Saswad to Jejuri, as part of the annual Wari pilgrimage on 15 July. She shared photos and videos of the journey on her social media account.
Is this the first time Chhaya Kadam joined the Wari?
No. In her own social media caption, Kadam stated she was completing the Wari from Saswad to Jejuri 'for the second time', indicating she had undertaken the pilgrimage on a previous occasion as well.
What films is Chhaya Kadam known for?
Kadam gained widespread recognition for her role in Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies and was also seen in the comedy Madgaon Express. She has a long career in Marathi cinema, with credits including Fandry, Sairat, Nude, Jhund, Bhirkit, and Baaplyok, alongside acclaimed Marathi theatre work.
What is the significance of Jejuri in the Wari pilgrimage?
Jejuri is home to the Khandoba temple, a major pilgrimage site in Maharashtra. The use of turmeric by devotees is a hallmark of Jejuri's Khandoba traditions, and visuals from Kadam's post showed pilgrims chanting amid clouds of turmeric during the procession.
