Kanwar Yatra-Delhi to Haridwar

Delhi to Haridwar Kawar Yatra:-

Kanwar is named after the Kanvar, a single bamboo pole with two equal loads fastened from both ends of the Pole. The Kanwar is taken by balancing on one or both shoulders of the Pilgrim. Kanvaris carry covered water-pots in Kanvas slung across their shoulders. This practice is observed all over India mainly by the Devotees of Shiva. Yatra means a journey or procession.

Delhi to Haridwar is nearly 220 Km. Most of the Kanwaries from Delhi and NCR goes through the National Highway - 58 route from Ghaziabad to Rishikesh. They walk 100 Km to reach the Neelkanth Temple.

Yatra is devoted to Lord Shiva. They fill up the Kanwars with water from Ramkund or anywhere from holy Ganga River, and move towards the Neelkanth Temple to pour the holy water on the Shiv Linga.

Every year in the month of Shravana, a large number of Kawadis goes to Haridwar from Delhi and surrounding areas. Pilgrims observe a fast on Mondays during this month. Millions of saffron-clad pilgrims carrying water from the Ganges in Haridwar, Gangotri, or Gomukh, the origin of the holy river, the Ganges.

Though most of the pilgrims are male, few women also take part in the Yatra. Most of the pilgrims travel on foot, but few of them travel on Bicycles, Motor Cycles, Scooters, Mini Trucks, or Jeeps.

For the convenience of pilgrims, many voluntary organizations like RSS, VHP, local Kanwar Sanghas set up camps, where kawaris get food, shelter, medical aid, and stand to hang the Kanwars, holding the Ganges water is provided. During journey every one chanting Har Har Mahadev, Bhole Baba, Bole Bom and gets the energy to walk on foot and smoothly travel this long distance.

After taking water from the Ganges, the Kanwaris or Shiv Bhaktas have to travel 105 Km. bare footed, with saffron robes, and usually with groups consist of families, friends and neighbours. The local administration also helps and controls the procession very smoothly.

This year Kanwar yatra will start on 14th July and continue up to 26th July. After returning from the Yatra, the Ganges water, carried by Kawaris is used to bathe the Shiva lingams on the Thirteenth day (Triyodashi) in Shravan month or on the Maha Shivaratri Day.