The Kavad Yatra is an annual pious expedition undertaken by the followers of Lord Shiva during the Sawan Ka Mahina (Sawan Month). The devotees called "Kanwariyas" visit holy sites like Haridwar, Gangotri, Gomukh, and Sultanganj to bring sacred water or "Gangajal" from the Ganges back to their regional temples so that it can be presented to the divine Hindu God, Lord Shiva.
Kanwar Yatra 2024 Dates
According to the Gregorian calendar, the auspicious Sawan Ka Mahina, also known as Sharavan Maas, is usually from July to August.
Everyone, mark your calendars! The Kanwar Yatra 2024 kicks off on Monday, 22nd July 2024, and concludes on Friday, 2nd August 2024.
Now that you know the basics about the Kawad Yatra, dive into the blog to get detailed insights into the various types of Kavad Yatra. By exploring different aspects of this Yatra, you will gain a profound understanding of its significance and enhance your spiritual journey.
Types of Kawad Yatra That Devotees Partake in
During the Kawad Yatra, the followers of Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction, carry a 'Kanwar', a decorated bamboo pole with water pots, where they carry the holy water to offer to Lord Shiva's temples. They are clothed in saffron and often go barefoot while bearing the pots of water from the Ganges. This Yatra lasts several days and involves traveling barefoot to please Lord Shiva.
The Yatra is seen as an act of devotion that symbolizes the bond between devotees and Lord Shiva. Participating in this pilgrimage is believed to wash away all sins and bring blessings.
Here are the types of Kavad Yatras.
Normal or Ordinary Kanwar
The typical Kanwariyas are free to halt and rest wherever they want. Many rest areas have Pandals constructed where they can relax and then resume their journey.
Dak Kanwar
This is a fast-paced Kavad Yatra, where the Kanwariyas keep running continuously from the beginning of the Yatra till the Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva. They do not stop anywhere before the culmination point.
Daak Kanwars participate in the Yatra and perform it like a relay race. While one Kanwariya runs, the other relay team members follow him in trucks or bikes. The Kanwar is passed between other devotees, ensuring the water reaches the destination without halting anywhere.
Special provisions are given to them at temples. When they reach the temple, everyone clears the way for them so that they can reach the Shivling without stopping.
Some Kanwariyas walk with the Kanwar standing up. They cannot keep the Kanwar on the ground or hang it. When they rest, another Kanwariya has to stand and hold their Kanwar and keep moving it in a walking manner. This type of Kawad Yatra requires immense physical strength.
Dandi Kanwar
In Dandi Kanwar, the devotees finish their trip from the riverbank to Lord Shiva's temples by lying down, known as doing Dandi, while chanting "Bam Bam Bhole." They complete the journey by measuring the distance of their path with the length of their body. Their associate holds the Kanwar for them while they perform this action. This is extremely challenging and takes up to a month to complete.
Baithi Kanwar
In this type of Kavad Yatra, the Kanwariyas can keep the Kanwar on the ground throughout the journey.
Jhoola Kanwar
The Kanwar cannot be put on the ground. It should be carried on the shoulder throughout the journey.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of Kavad Yatra can help you choose the one that best suits your physical capabilities and spiritual goals. Every kind of Yatra offers a remarkable way to express devotion to Lord Shiva.
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