Lord Shiva's devotees eagerly wait for the month of Sawan or Shravan Maas all year round. During this time, the cities around the Gangetic plains get crowded with devotees clothed in saffron and carrying a 'Kanwar', an adorned bamboo pole with water pitchers. This religious expedition is known as the Kawad Yatra.
This blog delves into the significance of the Kavad Yatra, offering guidance for a fulfilling pilgrimage and many other relevant information.
The Importance of Kavad Yatra: A Tiny Glimpse
The Kavad Yatra is a revered annual pilgrimage undertaken by Lord Shiva's devotees. During the Kavad Yatra or Kanwar Yatra, the devotees carry a 'Kanwar' filled with holy water from the Ganges, which they bring back to perform the 'Abhishekam' (holy anointment) of the Shivling at their local temple.
The pilgrimage witnesses throngs of devotees or Kanwariyas undertaking this grueling journey to collect water. This journey symbolizes faith, endurance, and the desire for spiritual purification. It signifies the devotees' penance and devotion to Lord Shiva. It is strongly believed that if you complete this Yatra, you will attain salvation, get blessings, and fulfill all your wishes.
Kavad Yatra Rules That You Must Follow
The Kavad Yatra is no child's play! There are many rules and regulations that a Kanwariya vows to follow.
During the Kavad Yatra, one should not consume any intoxicants, alcohol, meat, or any non-vegetarian food, as these are considered forbidden. They must consume a strict vegetarian diet during the Yatra.
The Kanwar should only be touched after one has taken a bath.
These devotees give up all material pleasures during this pilgrimage.
The Kanwariyas (devotees) are forbidden to use a bed or cot to sleep or relax.
The devotees must stay away from any articles made of leather.
During the Kawad Yatra, the devotees should not keep the Kanwar on the ground or under a tree. The Kanwar should also not be carried over one's head. One must always keep the Kanwar hanging on a branch. If the Kanwar is kept on the floor or ground, the sacred water has to be filled again.
Only the holy water from the Ganges should be kept in the Kanwar, and no other water should be kept in it.
The Kanwariyas should always remain with their group. On the Kavad Yatra, the Kanwariyas should keep chanting "Bam Bam Bhole" or "Jai Jai Shiv Shankar" throughout the journey.
It is strongly believed that serving the devotees is auspicious. This is why many NGOs and other organizations offer services like free food, water, tea, or even medical help throughout the arduous journey. Some organizations, like the Bol Bam Sewa Samiti, toil for Lord Shiva's devotees throughout the year.
The Kawad Yatra happens from July to August, which is the Sawan month. As per Hinduism, Sawan is characterized by religious observances. This is because it's considered a month of spiritual growth.
The Sawan 2024 will begin on 22nd July 2024 and end on 19th August 2024. The Kawad Yatra 2024 will commence on 22nd July 2024 (Monday) and culminate on 2nd August 2024 (Friday).
This Year’s Footfall in Kawad Yatra
The Kavad Yatra 2024 is expected to see a huge footfall, with an estimated three crore (30 million) devotees of Lord Shiva participating in the Yatra this year.
Additional Kavad Yatra Guidelines
Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued many guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth Kawad Yatra. Many measures have been organized, such as improving cleanliness and lighting, setting up proper camps that offer drinking water along the Yatra routes, etc. Camps with the availability of medical aid and emergency services are also set up, with special arrangements for womenfolk.
Additionally, enhanced security measures along the Yatra route, including drone surveillance and verification of Kanwar camps, have been implemented to ensure a more secure environment. It's also decided that meat and alcohol shops on the route will remain closed.
Furthermore, the Kanwariyas are not allowed to carry sticks, spears, tridents, or other weapons. DJs will not be banned, but volume limits will be implemented. The height of the Kanwar structures will be closely monitored to prevent accidents with electric wires. Any Kanwar structure more than 12 feet will be prohibited.
Moreover, safety arrangements will be made at the borders of Delhi, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Haryana, with bomb disposal squads and intelligence teams on hand.
Conclusion
Kawad Yatra always promises to be a spiritually enriching experience and helps the devotees build a deeper connection with the divine. No wonder devotees are so eager to experience this journey of a lifetime.
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