Last Updated:June 20, 2025, 14:26 IST
Kanwar Yatra 2025: During this sacred journey, devotees collect holy water from the Ganges and carry it, mostly on foot, to offer it at Shiva temples in their hometowns
Kanwar Yatra comes in several forms, each with its own rules, practices, and spiritual significance. (Local18)
As soon as the month of Sawan arrives, North India transforms into a sea of saffron. The chants of ‘Bol Bam’ echo through the air, and the roads leading to pilgrimage towns like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and the banks of the Ganga witness a flood of Shiva devotees. This is no ordinary fair, it is the Kanwar Yatra, a powerful expression of unwavering faith in Lord Shiva.
During this sacred journey, devotees collect holy water from the Ganges and carry it, mostly on foot, to offer it at Shiva temples in their hometowns. However, what many don’t know is that the Kanwar Yatra is not just a single kind of pilgrimage. It comes in several forms, each with its own rules, practices, and spiritual significance, tailored to the level of sadhana (spiritual discipline) of the devotee.
Types of Kanwar Yatra
Speaking to Local18, priest Shubham Tiwari explained that the Kanwar Yatra is broadly classified into six types. Each has its own meaning, rituals, and discipline:
General Kanwar
This is the most common type. Devotees carry Ganga water as per their convenience and make halts along the way. There are no strict rules, making it accessible to most devotees.
Dandi Kanwar
This form demands more discipline. Devotees walk barefoot for the entire journey without using any vehicle. The water containers are never placed on the ground and are passed hand-to-hand between companions.
Dak Kanwar
Known for its speed and intensity, this Kanwar is completed quickly, often in a day. Devotees either run or use motorcycles or support vehicles to ensure the Gangajal reaches the temple without delay. It’s a high-energy yatra marked by punctuality and teamwork.
White Kanwar
Devotees wear only white attire, symbolising peace and purity. They practise complete celibacy, mental discipline, and physical cleanliness throughout the journey.
Palki Kanwar
A more decorative and devotional form of the yatra, this involves carrying the water in a beautifully adorned palanquin. Often performed in groups, the procession is accompanied by devotional singing, drums, and conch shells, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Cotton Kanwar
In this unique form, the containers of Gangajal are wrapped in cotton or soft cloth to protect them from damage or vibrations during the journey. This Kanwar follows very strict rules regarding purity and handling of the water.
Rules Of Kanwar Yatra
Though rooted in devotion, the Kanwar Yatra follows certain important rules:
- The yatra is undertaken barefoot.
- Gangajal must never touch the ground.
- Consumption of meat, alcohol, and any form of intoxicants is strictly prohibited.
- Devotees must refrain from anger, arguments, or use of abusive language.
- The atmosphere is kept devotional, with continuous chanting of ‘Bol Bam’.
- In many areas, separate arrangements are made for male and female devotees to ensure safety and comfort.
The Kanwar Yatra is more than just a physical journey, it is a spiritual discipline that combines devotion, endurance, and collective faith. It reflects the deep-rooted cultural traditions and unwavering love that lakhs have for Lord Shiva.
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