Kanwar Yatra

History of Kanwar Yatra The Kanwar Yatra is associated with the churning of the ocean of Amrit or Samudra Manthan in the month of Shravan as per the Hindu Puranas. Religious ures say that the churning of the ocean led to the emergence of poison or vish before the Amrit came out. This poison was consumed by Lord Shiva and the Amrit or Nectar of Immortality was distributed to the Gods. It was because of consuming the poison, Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue for which he was given the name “Neelkanth” and He felt a burning sensation in his throat. Gods and Devas poured Ganga Water to Lord Shiva to reduce the impact of the poison. Another story tells that it was Ravana, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, who brought Ganga water by using Kanwar and poured it on Shiva’s temple in Puramahadev. Since this happened in the month of Shravan, even today, Shiva’s devotees carry forward this tradition of pouring Holy Ganges water on the Shiv Linga every year in this month. Highlights of Kanwar Yatra 1) During the Kanwar Yatra, the devotees of Lord Shiva carry the 'Kanwar' on both of their shoulders. 2) The Yatra happens from mid-July to August. Thus, it is almost a month pilgrim journey in which the devotees wear saffron-coloured. clothes and walk barefoot from the chosen destination to collect the holy water of Ganges in Haridwar, Gangotri or Gaumukh. 3) Numbers of makeshift accommodations are constructed across the journey where the Kanwarias can take a rest for a while. 4) Some devotees travel the distance on foot while others on their personal vehicles. 5) Throughout the journey, the Kanwarias chant the slogan of 'Bol Bam' along with the religious bhajans of Lord Shiva. 6) Several NGOs offer free services like food, water, tea, or medical help to Kanwarias.