An annual pilgrimage performed by the devotees of Shiva during the holy month of Sawan, which comes between July and August. This holy month has started from July 11, 2025, which marks the onset of the Kanwar Yatra. This year, the Kanwar Yatra will continue as long as Sawain Shivratri. These pilgrims are also called Kanwaria or “good”. Through the most confidence and belief, their purpose is at a distance of hundreds of miles to collect holy water from the Ganges River and take it to its shoulders, which offer Pura Mahadev Temple in Baghpat district such as Mereut, Kashi Temple, Bagheenhinath Temple, Bagheenath Temple, Baghpat district in their local Lord Shiva Shrine or specific temples.
Kanwar yatra: major route
Pilgrims follow many routes, usually they choose their path based on their geographical location, the specific Shiva temple that they want to travel after collecting holy water, and the distance that they are ready to cover.
Here are some of the most important routes:-
Neelkanth Mahadev (Rishikesh, Uttarakhand) from Haridwar
This route is popular among the devotees of Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh.
1. Local Shiva Temple to Haridwar: Many Kanavia collect water in Haridwar and take it back to temples in their hometown and villages.
2. Haridwar to Pura Mahadev (Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh): Known for his mythological link to Lord Parashuram
3. Haridwar to Oughrnath Temple (Meerut, Uttar Pradesh): favored by Kanavias from Meerut and nearby areas.
Sultanganj (Bihar) to Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar, Jharkhand)
One of the oldest and most prestigious Kanwar routes, especially popular in eastern India (Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha), is popular.
Gaumukh/Gangotri to Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
In the longest and most challenging routes, hundreds of kilometers extended.
Guidelines and security tips for Kanwar Yatra
,Follow official guidelines and routes
Always use the specified routes specified by the state officials to ensure safety and convenience
,Maintain physical and mental purity
Wear clean clothes as a mark of respect for the holy journey. Avoid equally important, negative thoughts and feelings.
,Take a small bottle of Gangjal
Use it to purify yourself after giving relief to yourself.
,Show kindness and compassion
Particular devotees, local residents, animals and plants behave with respect and care.
,Do not keep your Kanwar directly on the ground
If you need to relax, eat or use the toilet, always keep the Kanwar in a stand, branch, or specially prepared comfortable place, allowing it to touch the earth instead.
,Avoid drugs and unhealthy habits
Smoking, alcohol, drugs, or any other narcotics should be avoided.
,Maintain respect for local culture
Maintain decorations, respect local customs and traditions, and avoid any way abuse while traveling through different fields.
• Priority to safety
Travel in groups, avoid separate areas, and be cautious all the time to prevent accidents.
By following these simple guidelines, you help to maintain the sanctity and purity of the Kanwar Yatra, while at the same time ensure the peaceful thoughts of others.
(This article means only for your general information. Zee News does not pledge for its accuracy or credibility.)
