This year, the festival of pleasing Lord Shiva is starting from the coming 22th of July. On this occasion, the entire Devbhoomi including Haridwar will be colored in saffron colours. Like every year, this time too Kanwar pilgrims from other states will come to Haridwar and Rishikesh and perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva with Ganga water.12-day long annual Kanwar Yatra
Kavad Yatra Ka Itihaas
The history of Kanwar Yatra is very old. It is believed that Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue after drinking poison during the churning of the ocean. To solve this terrible problem, Lord Shiva performed Jalabhishek, which brought him relief. That is why Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva is performed during Kanwar Yatra so that he gets his blessings.
How is Kanwar made?
- Bamboo, fevicol, cloth, damru, flower garland, ghunghru, temple, fine iron wire, and strong thread are used to make kanwar.
- After the Kanwad is ready, it is decorated with flower garlands, bells and ghungroos.
- After this, filling the pots with loads of Ganga water, lighting incense sticks and lamps, accompanied by the chants and hymns of Bhole, the Kanwar pilgrims come to fill the water and please Lord Shiva.
Rules for Kavad Yatriyos
- Kanwar pilgrims cannot walk without bathing.
- Do not use oil, soap, and comb.
- All Kanwar pilgrims call each other Bhola or Bholi.
- Care has to be taken that the Kanwar does not contact the ground.
- During Dak Kanwar Yatra, acts of excretion from the body are prohibited.
Types of Kanwar Yatra
Kanwar Yatra is done in four ways
General Kanwar: These travelers can rest at specific places, but it is worth noting that they do not remain in contact with the land. During this, Kanwar is kept on a stand.
Dak Kanwar: In this the pilgrims keep walking continuously without stopping till the Jalabhishek of Shiva. Even the acts of excretion from the body are prohibited.
Khadi Kanwad: In this the devotees carry Khadi Kanwad and there is also a helper along with them.
Dandi Kanwar: In this, devotees travel from the banks of the river to Shivdham, completing it by giving dance respectively. This journey is very difficult, which can take several days or often up to a month.
Kanwar Yatra Date Rundown
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Monday, 22nd of July |
| 2025 | Friday, 11th of July |
| 2026 | Thursday, 30th of July |
| 2027 | Monday, 19th of July |
Mantra of Kavad Yatra
During Kavad Yatra, you can go to any temple and chant any mantra of Bholenath. Lord Bholenath gets pleased quickly by chanting Om Namah Shivay.
नमस्ते नमस्ते विभो विश्वमूर्ते नमस्ते नमस्ते चिदानन्दमूर्ते। नमस्ते नमस्ते तपोयोगगम्य नमस्ते नमस्ते श्रुतिज्ञानगम्। प्रभो शूलपाणे विभो विश्वनाथ महादेव शंभो महेश त्रिनेत्। शिवाकान्त शान्त स्मरारे पुरारे त्वदन्यो वरेण्यो न मान्यो न गण्य:
1. What is the importance of Kanwar Yatra?
The month of Sawan is considered auspicious time for Kanwar Yatra. All the devotees of Lord Shiva who participate in this journey are called Kanwariya. Devotees bring Ganga water from the river Ganges and offer it to Shivalinga.
2. How many kilometers is Baba Dham from Sultanganj?
The distance from Sultanganj (Ajgaivinath) to Deoghar is about 105 kilometers. The trekking distance is a little short.
3. In how many days is the Kanwar Yatra completed?
A typical Kanwar pilgrim completes this journey between 3 to 5 days. Dak Bam completes this journey in one day (17-20 hours) without stopping. And the Dandi traveler completes this journey in several weeks.
