New Delhi: The month of Sawan holds great sacred and spiritual significance for Shiva devotees. The tradition of worshiping Lord Shiva, fasting, Rudrabhishek and offering water in this holy month is very ancient. The major symbol of this religious faith is the Kanwar Yatra, which is performed every year by millions of devotees with full enthusiasm and devotion.
Kanwar Yatra 2025 Date
This year in 2025, the month of Sawan is starting from 11 July, and from this day the Kanwar Yatra will also be considered to be formally started. This journey will last for about 30 days and will conclude with the end of the month of Sawan on 9 August. During this time, devotees from all over the country fill holy Gangajal from pilgrimage places such as Haridwar, Gangotri, Gomukh, Rishikesh and Sultanganj and walk to their destination – Shivalayas.
Mythological Belief Of Kanwar Yatra
It is being said that the Kanwar Yatra was started by Lord Parshuram, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He brought Gangajal and offered it on the Shivalinga. Since then this tradition has become popular among the devotees as a faith and devotion. Kanwariyas complete this journey with the chants of “Har-Har Mahadev” and “Bam-Bam Bhole”.
Rules To Be Followed During Kanwar Yatra
Kanwar Yatra is not only a religious ritual, but also a journey symbolizing discipline. To complete it successfully, the Kanwariyas have to follow some important rules:
1. During the journey, the devotees should remain mentally, verbally and physically pure.
2. Consumption of intoxicants like alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes etc. is completely prohibited.
3. Once the journey starts, the Kanwar should never be placed on the ground. If this happens by mistake, then the journey has to be started again with a new Kanwar.
4. After defecation or urination, one should touch the Kanwar again only after taking a bath.
5. It is important to stay away from any item made of leather during the journey.
Kanwariyas Journey
The devotees who do the Kanwar Yatra are called ‘Kanwariya’. These devotees cover a difficult journey of several kilometers on foot and anoint Lord Shiva by carrying Gangajal to the Shiva temples in their respective areas. They get this water from pilgrimage places like Haridwar, Gomukh, Sultanganj or Gangotri.
Kanwar Yatra is not only a symbol of religious faith, but it also reflects the spirit of restraint, devotion and service. While on one hand this journey teaches endurance to the body, on the other hand it also provides purity and spiritual peace to the mind.