Kawad Yatra: Some of the specifics you should know

Kanwar Yatra: Interesting things to know

Kanwar Yatra is mainly associated with deities Shiva and Parashuram. It is an annual pilgrimage of Shiva devotees, who are called as Kanvarias, to Hindu pilgrimage places such as Haridwar, Gangotri in Uttarakhand and Sultanganj in Bihar and many more. The pilgrims fetch holy waters of Ganga River and later offer it to Lord Shiva. Thousands of devotees from across places of the country reach these pilgrimage places for the annual Kawad Mela.

Kanwar Yatra: Interesting things to know

The Yatra takes place during the sacred month of Shravan (Saawan) (July -August) every year, according to the Hindu calendar. 

Kanwar Yatra: Interesting things to know

During the Basant Panchmi, Maha Shivratri and other important Hindu festivals, the number of Kanwariyas increase many fold. Every year approximately 2 Crores Kanvarias attend this pilgrimage.

Kanwar Yatra: Interesting things to know

Alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not allowed during the Kanwar yatra. A Kanwar cannot touch another kanwar, without taking a bath. 

Kanwar Yatra: Interesting things to know

Earlier Kanwar yatra was performed in the month of Bhado, from 1960 the mela started from the month of Shravan and extended up to Dashara. Now round the year Kanwariyas take Ganga Jal from Sultangaj and travel a distance of 100 km bare footed and reach Devghar in Jharkhand.

Kanwar Yatra: Interesting things to know

During the pilgrimage the devotees continuously chant ‘’Bol Bam’’and sing bhajans (hymns) in praise of Lord Shiva.

Kanwar Yatra: Interesting things to know

Saffron-clad pilgrims carrying holy water from the Ganges in Haridwar, Gangotri or Gaumukh perform abhisheka (anointing) on the Shivalingas at the local Shiva temples, as a gesture of offering prayer. 

Kanwar Yatra 2016: Things you should know

Kanwar yatra is associated with Lord Shiva and Lord parshuram.