Producer: Priyanka Das Editor: Aparna Singh
The Kanwar Yatra is conducted every year during the month of Sawan across the country. This year, the Kanwar Yatra will start on July 22 and end on August 2.
During Kanwar Yatra, devotees bring Gangajal in Kanwar after bathing in the river Ganga and offer it to Lord Shiva in the temple.
According to one legend, the Kanwar Yatra was started by Lord Parshuram, the son of sage Jamadagni. He left Garhmukteshwar Dham with Gangajal and went straight to Pura in Uttar Pradesh where he anointed Lord Shiva.
As per another legend, it is said that this journey was first made by Shravan Kumar.
When his parents expressed a desire to take a bath in the Ganga, he put them in a Kanwar and started the journey. After that, he reached Haridwar and after taking a bath in the Ganga, he also brought them water.
There are four types of Kanwar Yatra. In the typical Kanwar Yatra, devotees can rest on the way while walking to the destination.
There are four types of Kanwar Yatra. In the typical Kanwar Yatra, devotees can rest on the way while walking to the destination.
In Dak Kanwar Yatra, devotees must walk continuously until they collect water from the river and perform the Abhishek of Lord Shiva. Once they start the journey, they finish it only after performing Jalabhishek.
In Dandi Kanwar, the devotee has to travel by bowing down while chanting the slogan of Bam Bam Bhole.
In Standing Kanwar, several devotees carry one Kanwar by supporting each other.