In Hinduism, devotees undertake several pilgrimages, amongst which the Kawad Yatra or Kanwar Yatra has gained considerable popularity. No wonder it attracts thousands of devotees from across India.
Kawad Yatra is a significant pilgrimage undertaken by many during the holy month of Shravan (Sawan). This blog explores the essentials of Kawad Yatra, guiding you on its benefits and other vital bits of information.
Understanding Kawad Yatra: What Is It?
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage primarily undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva, also known as the "Kavarias" or "Kanwariyas". This Yatra is believed to symbolize the unbreakable bond between Lord Shiva and his devotees, so it is often seen as an act of faith and devotion.
This pilgrimage witnesses devotees undertaking an arduous journey to collect holy water from the Ganga River in earthen pitchers. They carry the pitchers on their shoulders on a 'Kanwar,' a small bamboo pole, to offer it to Lord Shiva. The holy water is used to bathe the Shiva Linga in their hometowns. It is from this 'Kanwar' that the Kanwariyas derive their name.
In the Kawad Yatra during the Shravan Month, the devotees go on a pilgrimage to places like Haridwar, Gomukh, Gangotri, and Sultanganj to fetch the sacred water of the Ganges to bring it back to their local Shiva temples. As per the Gregorian calendar, the pilgrimage is done in July every year. This approximately 100 km journey is often on foot, which symbolizes penance, devotion, and spiritual rejuvenation. While most devotees travel on foot, some also use bicycles, scooters, jeeps, or mini trucks.
Kawad Yatra 2024 Dates
The Kanwar Yatra is prepared to start on 22nd July 2024 (Monday) and end on 2nd August 2024 (Friday).
Significance of Kawad Yatra: Why People Should Do It?
The Kawad Yatra holds importance for devotees, as it is a powerful expression of devotion and spiritual seeking.
Kawad Yatra is a way to display your dedication to Lord Shiva. The devotees who venture on this pilgrimage do so with a deep faith and seek spiritual growth.
The Yatra gives devotees an opportunity to deepen their connection with the mighty Lord Shiva.
When devotees undertake the Kanwar Yatra, it can become a means to purify themselves and aim for spiritual transformation.
The physically challenging nature of the pilgrimage and the devotional practices that the devotees engage in during this Yatra allow them to experience inner spiritual growth.
Going on the Kawad Yatra and chanting the sacred hymns, devotees can calm their minds and gather inspiring and creative thoughts throughout the journey, which they can bring back.
The pilgrimage enables the devotees to detach from the distractions of the outside world and focus on their spiritual journey.
The Kawad Yatra holds a lot of cultural significance, as it offers a platform for devotees and local communities to show their cultural heritage through folk music and dance performances. This also makes the journey more colorful and vibrant.
The Kanwar Yatra reinforces communal ties among devotees, as it brings individuals from various backgrounds and regions together. This allows everyone to crush social barriers and build a spirit of friendship and harmony.
The Yatra offers a collective sense of purpose to the Kanwariyas, where they support each other on this arduous journey.
Lord Shiva is considered to present his choicest blessings to the devotees who finish the Yatra and grant them their wishes.
Who Should Go on The Kawad Yatra?
In earlier times, saints and sages undertook the holy Kawad Yatra. In recent times, devotees of Lord Shiva go on this pilgrimage annually as an act of devotion and to gain his blessings. On their way, they chant "Bol Bam, Bam Bam," "Bam Bam Bhole," or "Har Har Mahadev." The devotees wear saffron clothes to collect the holy water.
Many young and older adults have started participating in the Kawad Yatra. This Yatra is not just limited to men; even women and children participate in it. People seeking penance or want to atone for past sins could also go on this journey. Some adventure enthusiasts who are looking for spiritual growth and physical challenges also undertake this journey.
The motivation to undertake this spiritual yet grueling journey can be anything from personal faith and mental peace to seeking penance.
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