What is Kanwar Yatra? It is one of the most significant annual religious pilgrimages in India, mainly observed by devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas. Every year during the Hindu month of Shravan (usually July-August), millions of Kanwariyas carry holy water from the Ganga River to offer at Shiva temples, especially in states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Haryana.
What is Kanwar Yatra All About?
- The Kanwar Yatra is primarily performed by devotees of Lord Shiva.
- Devotees (Kanwariyas) travel on foot, often barefoot, covering hundreds of kilometers.
- Holy water from the Ganga is carried in containers balanced on bamboo sticks called “Kanwar”.
- The water is later offered to the Shiva Linga on Shivratri or other significant days in the month of Shravan.
- It is seen as a spiritual journey of devotion, endurance, and discipline.
- Popular pilgrimage destinations include Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri, Sultanganj, and Deoghar.
- Deoghar, located in Jharkhand, is home to the famous Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, making it one of the most important destinations of the Kanwar Yatra.
- From Sultanganj in Bihar, devotees carry Ganga water and walk around 105 km to Deoghar to offer Jal to Lord Baidyanath.
- This route is considered highly auspicious, and millions of pilgrims take this journey each year with chants of “Bol Bam” filling the air.
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Kanwar Yatra Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To offer Ganga Jal to Lord Shiva |
| Duration | During the month of Shravan (July-August) |
| Devotees’ Name | Kanwariyas |
| Main Destinations | Haridwar, Gangotri, Gaumukh, Sultanganj, Deoghar |
| Ritual | Carry Ganga water in Kanwars, travel barefoot |
| Special Attraction | Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas) |
| Completion | Jal Abhishek on Shivlinga in hometown temples or Deoghar |
Why is Kanwar Yatra Important?
Understanding what is Kanwar Yatra helps you appreciate the spiritual and cultural essence of India. It reflects devotion, unity, and the willpower of millions of people. The journey is not only about religion but also a physical and mental test of endurance.
Special Focus on Deoghar
Deoghar holds immense spiritual significance during the Kanwar Yatra. The Baidyanath Dham temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and it attracts pilgrims not only from Bihar and Jharkhand but across India. The Sultanganj to Deoghar Kanwar route is unique because Sultanganj is the only place where the Ganga flows north, making it especially sacred. Devotees consider it a blessing to walk this entire distance with unwavering faith.
Safety & Modern Touch
- The government sets up medical, food, and rest facilities along the routes.
- Many Kanwariyas also perform the yatra with devotional music, dances, and community participation.
- In recent years, digital maps and Kanwar tracking apps have also become part of the pilgrimage.
Whether you are religious or not, knowing what is Kanwar Yatra and understanding its connection to places like Deoghar offers deep insight into one of the largest spiritual movements in the world. It’s a fusion of faith, resilience, and tradition that continues to inspire millions every year.