Kanwar Yatra, Kanwariyas and Shiv Bhakti

Kanwar Yatra, Kanwariyas and Shiv Bhakti

When according to Hindu Calender, the month of Sawan comes Kanwar yarta starts by Kanwariyas. This year yatra began on 10th July and will conclude on 7th August. The kanwar camps were set up on 16th July and will wind up after Shivratri on 21st July. Most of the Kanwariyas complete their journey by then but they can continue till the end of Sawan Maas.

Kanwar is a bamboo rod with pots holding water from the sacred river Ganga at either end carried by the kanwariyas.

There are many types of Kanwars:

Jhoola Kanwar : In this Kanwariya cannot let the kanwar touch the ground. It can be rested on special stands.

Baithi Kanwar : The kanwar can be put down on special stands erected by district authorities and NGOs throughout the kanwar route.

Khadhi Kanwar: In this type the kanwar is to be held standing up. It cannot be placed on the ground or the special stands.When a kanwariya needs to take a bath or go out for easing , a sewak at the camp takes over and keeps the kanwar on his shoulder. There is no fixed time for completion of journey.

Saji Kanwar : Kanwariya carries an elaborately decorated, sometimes huge kanwar. This  can be placed on the specially created stands.

Dak Bam : In this type of Kanwariyas , a group together undertakes journey from Haridwar to Delhi mostly accompanied by cars and bikes. Each kanwariya takes turn to run with the kanwar. Disruption in the run is considered a bad omen.

Now let us know why the Kanwar yatra is undertaken. 
In Indian mythology there is a reference of Samudra Manthan. Samudra Manthan or churning of oceans was done to create amrit. In the process it threw up the poisonous Halahal. Lord Shiva swallowed Halahal and stored in his throat. Hence he is also called or named Neelkantha or blue throat. To diminish the effect of the poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head while the other gods offered him Ganga water. Since then devotees of Shiva get Ganga water and offer it to his idol in  their localities in the month of Sawan (July-August).


Kanwar yatra is a trial of faith and once one completes the yatra successfully, it is believed that  one's wish is granted by Lord Shiva. The yatra also gives inner peace and that is what inspires devotees to undertake the gruelling walk every year. The arduous trek with Ganga water is fuelled by spiritual devotion tinged with nationalism. Most of the kanwariyas prefer to traverse the distance barefoot. Bruised feet, dehydration or fatigue does not dampen their spirit.