Find out everything about Kanwad, Kawad or Kanwar Yatra in 2024, including its start and end dates, rules, significance and everything you need to know about this sacred pilgrimage.
Kanwar Yatra 2024: Dates, Rules, Significance | Photo Credit: PTI
Mumbai: In Hinduism, the advent of the month of Sawan not only marks the onset of the monsoon season but also the start of the Kanwar Yatra, a revered pilgrimage that stirs up enthusiasm among Shiva devotees. Every year, millions of pilgrims, known as Kanwariyas, undertake the journey to Haridwar to collect the waters of the holy River Ganges, which are then transported to their home Shiva temples for the Jalabhishek ceremony on Shiva-ling day.
Significance of Kanwar Yatra
Kanwar Yatra is more than just a ritual. It is a deeply spiritual experience. It is believed that those who complete the journey receive special blessings from Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage sees hundreds of thousands of devotees travelling long distances on foot, carrying the Kanwar and offering water to the deity. This year, Kanwar Yatra will begin on 22 July 2024 and end on 2 August 2024, the same day as Sawan Shivaratri. Anticipation for the event grows throughout the year, making it an important religious and cultural event.
How is Kanwar Yatra conducted?
During Sawan, devotees Karas The Lord Shiva is supported with water from the Ganges and secured to his shoulders with a kanwar. He then proceeds to a local Shiva temple where he ritually pours water onto the Shiva ling. According to ancient scriptures, it was Lord Parashuram who first undertook this journey. He brought Ganges water from Garhmukteshwar Dam and performed an abhishek at ‘Pura Mahadev’ near Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh. This tradition has been faithfully followed ever since.
Rules of Kanwar Yatra
To perform Kanwar Yatra, one must follow some important rules laid down in the scriptures. Here are some important guidelines that Kanwars must follow:
- Travelling by foot: All devotees must travel on foot throughout the journey; no means of transport are permitted.
- Sattvic Diet: During the pilgrimage, devotees are required to consume a purely vegetarian (sattvic) diet. Intoxicants, meat and tamasic foods are strictly prohibited.
- Kanwar’s treatment: The Kanwar should never be placed on the ground while resting, instead it should be hung on a stand or branch, and if it accidentally touches the ground the water should be replaced with fresh holy water.
- Touch Kanwar: Devotees should touch the Kanwar only after bathing and avoid contact with leather products while travelling.
- Group travel: For the Kanwariyas, it is essential to travel in groups and maintain unity and support throughout the journey.
- Chant the mantra: The devotee should continue chanting continuously throughout the journey. Bang Bang Ball or Jai Jai Shiv Shankar To maintain a spiritual atmosphere.
By adhering to these rules, devotees ensure the sanctity of the pilgrimage and obtain the blessings of Lord Shiva. Kanwar Yatra is a testimony of the dedication and faith of Shiva devotees who undertake this arduous journey with deep respect and devotion.
