The annual Kanwar Yatra commenced today from Haridwar, with devotees beginning their journey to collect Ganga water and offer it at Shiva temples across North India. Pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh are expected to participate in large numbers over the next 14 days, carrying sacred water from Har Ki Pauri to their hometown shrines.
This spiritual event marks the beginning of Shravan month’s Krishna Paksha and will continue till Chaturdashi. Among the three major pilgrimages of this holy month—Kanwar Yatra, Amarnath Yatra, and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—Kanwar Yatra is one of the most celebrated, blending devotion with physical endurance and spiritual reward.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva, known as Ashutosh, is believed to spend the month in Kankhal as Daksheshwar, honoring a promise made to King Daksha. This legend adds spiritual depth to Haridwar’s importance during the yatra.
Kanwar Yatra is organized twice a year from Haridwar. While the Phalguna Yatra concludes on Mahashivratri, the Shravan Yatra ends with the offering of water on Shiv Chaudas. This year, Shiv Chaudas falls on July 23, a Wednesday. Due to the overlapping of Ekadashi, Dwadashi, and Trayodashi dates, Trayodashi will not be observed separately, and devotees will perform the sacred Jalabhishek on the same day.
With chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” echoing through the city, Haridwar has once again transformed into a vibrant center of faith and devotion as the Kanwar Yatra begins.
