Mumbai: Every year, devotees of Lord Shiva embark on the Kanwar Yatra, a pilgrimage seeking his blessings. This sacred journey is eagerly anticipated by followers throughout the year.
The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva, draws devotees known as Kanvarias to Hindu holy sites like Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri in Uttarakhand, and Sultanganj in Bihar. They undertake this journey during the auspicious Hindu month of Shravan, typically from July to August in the Gregorian calendar.
What is Kanwar Yatra?
The pilgrimage holds immense spiritual significance, with devotees fetching holy water from the Ganges River in pitchers known as ‘Kanwars’ and carrying them on bamboo poles. This water is then ceremoniously poured over Shiva temples across India, symbolising devotion and seeking blessings from Lord Shiva.
The Yatra holds deep mythological roots, one legend tracing back to the churning of the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) where Lord Shiva’s act of consuming poison turned his throat blue, prompting the Gods to pour Ganges water to soothe him, giving rise to his epithet ‘Neelkanth’.
Another myth credits Ravana with bringing Ganga water using a Kanwar to purify Shiva’s temple during Saavan, perpetuating the tradition of devotion and pilgrimage seen in today’s Kanwar Yatra.
Kanwar Yatra 2024 start and end date
The Kanwar Yatra of 2024 is scheduled to commence on July 22 and conclude on August 2, coinciding with Sawan Shivratri. It is expected to witness a significant turnout, particularly in Haridwar, where millions of pilgrims are anticipated, prompting extensive security measures and logistical preparations by the Uttarakhand government. These include the deployment of over 10,000 security personnel, the use of drones and CCTV for surveillance, and strict guidelines to ensure safety and order during the Yatra.
Kanwar Yatra routes
The Kanwar Yatra during the monsoon season is a pilgrimage where devotees journey to various Shiva temples such as Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh, Pura Mahadeva and Augharnath Temple in Meerut, and Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Baba Baidyanath Temple.
The event in Haridwar is particularly grand, with large camps and gatherings along the banks of the Ganges during the Kanwar Yatra. Pilgrims traditionally bathe in the holy waters of the Ganges during this pilgrimage. The Yatra continues to Rishikesh, where devotees perform rituals at the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
It starts from Gomukh or Gangotri where devotees collect holy water from the Ganges in small pots and carry it to Neelkanth for offering to Lord Shiva.
Initially undertaken by saints and holy sages, the Yatra has grown to include hundreds of thousands of participants known as kanwariyas from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, spanning all ages and including women and sometimes children.
Along the way, kanwariyas dressed in saffron-coloured robes chant collectively, invoking Lord Shiva with phrases like ‘Bol Bam, Bam Bam’, ‘Bam Bam Bhole’, Or ‘Har Har Mahadev’.
Kanwar Yatra banner designs
Kanwar Yatra banner designs (Pinterest)
Kanwar Yatra banner (Pinterest)
Kanwar Yatra images
Kanwar Yatra images (Pinterest)
Kanwar Yatra image (X: @DharmikDarshan)
Kanwar Yatra picture (Pinterest)
Participants in the Kanwar Yatra adhere to specific rituals, including walking barefoot as a sign of reverence and penance. They consume satvik food, known for its purity and spiritual benefits, and hang the Kanwar on trees while resting to avoid it touching the ground. If the Kanwar does touch the ground, devotees must refill it with Gangajal and restart their journey.
This pilgrimage not only signifies devotion but also unity and communal spirit among devotees, making it a cornerstone of religious fervour and cultural identity in India.
Kanwar Yatra dates, routes, banner designs and images: Get ready for Kanwar Yatra 2024 with our detailed coverage of dates, pilgrimage routes, captivating banner designs, and stunning images. Explore the spiritual journey to Shiva temples like Neelkanth Mahadev and Kashi Vishwanath, and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of this revered pilgrimage. Events Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
