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Kanwar Yatra 2025: This year, the Kanwar Yatra is set to begin on July 11. It usually concludes on the day of Sawan Shivratri, which falls on July 23 this year.
Kanwar Yatra 2025: With immense faith and belief in their heart, Shiva devotees offer holy water during Kanwar Yatra.(File Pic)
Kanwar Yatra 2025: The holy month of Sawan in Hindu calendar holds an auspicious relevance for the devotees of Lord Shiva. The most popular Kanwar Yatra also takes place around this month, which falls between July and August every year. With immense faith and belief in their heart, Shiva devotees visit major Shivlings to offer holy water.
This year, the Kanwar Yatra is set to begin on July 11. It usually concludes on the day of Sawan Shivratri, which falls on July 23 this year. However, in several places, devotees continue to perform jalabhishek throughout the month of Sawan. From the origin and history, route, rituals and travel trips, this article provides all information needed for yatris and devotees before they plan their Kanwar Yatra this year.
Kanwar Yatra 2025: Origin, History & Significance
The Kanwar Yatra marks the holy time frame when devotees, popularly known as kanwariyas, carry Gangajal or water from other holy rivers in kanwars, which are decorated bamboo structures, and walk for long distances to offer it to Lord Shiva at popular shivlings across the country. Some of these Lord Shiva temples include those located in Haridwar, Kedarnath, Gaumukh, Varanasi, Deoghar, and other pilgrimages.
There are several mythological stories related to how the tradition of Kanwar Yatra began. It is often said that Lord Parshuram was the first kanwariya who offered water from River Ganga to anoint a shivling. It has since become a ritual, which is believed to free a devote from all their sins and bless them with peace and prosperity.
Throughout the yatra to and from a shivling, the kanwariyas are expected to practice celibacy, observe fast, and travel on their feet carrying kanwars. It is said that completing one Kanwar Yatra is equivalent to
performing the Ashwamedha Yagna.
Kanwar Yatra 2025: Travel Route and Rituals
People all across India first visit holy rivers near their places, usually Ganga river, to carry water in their kanwar. Later, they visit Shiva temples to offer the holy water to the shivlings. While there is no fixed time frame to complete the Kanwar Yatra, it will begin on July 11 this year and conclude on July 23, on the occasion of Sawan shivratri, also considered as the most auspicious day in the month.
In order to facilitate the kanwariyas and ease the traffic during their journey, which usually spans across states of Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and others, traffic police and state officials plan a designated route.
Kanwar Yatra 2025: Dos and Don’ts
In order to ensure hassle free travel for devotees, without creating issues for the public, here are a few dos and don’ts that can be followed:
- Follow the guidelines for the route, as declared by state officials.
- Wear clean clothes, and also the mind and thoughts clean, avoiding the negative thoughts and emotions.
- Do not place the kanwar on the ground, especially if you have to stop for urination or food. Always place it on a stand or tree.
- Carry a small bottle to carry Gangajal to purify yourself especially after urination.
- Refrain from unhealthy food or living habits like smoking, eating garlic, onion.
- Do not consume cannabis or any substance.
- Do not harm any living beings on your route, including human, animals and plants.
Kanwar Yatra 2025: Wishes To Share With Your Loved Ones
- Wishing you a blessed Kanwar Yatra! May Lord Shiva shower his divine blessings. Har Har Mahadev!
- May the auspicious occasion of Sawan bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to your life. Jai Bhole Nath!
- Happy Kanwar Yatra! May Lord Shiva guide you on the path of righteousness and fill your life with love and joy.
- On this sacred journey of Kanwar Yatra, may Mahadeva bless you with strength, courage, and devotion. Har Har Mahadev!
- Sending my warmest wishes for a joyous Kanwar Yatra. May your prayers be answered, and your heart be filled with divine bliss.
Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect…Read More
Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect… Read More
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Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India
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