A pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kanwar Yatra is one of the most significant religious pilgrimages in India. Each year, millions of Shiva devotees called Kanwariyas, participate in this pilgrimage in the holy month of Shravan. In 2025, the Kanwar Yatra will take place in the Shravan month, from July 11 to August 9. Here’s all the information you need to know about the Kanwar Yatra 2025!
Kanwar Yatra 2025: What Is Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage of the Kanwariyas. These Kanwariyas travel to sacred sites situated primarily along the Ganges to collect water from this holy river. They collect this water in special bamboo pitchers connected with a sling in the middle called a ‘kanwar’. Kanwariyas carry these pitchers on their shoulders to collect water from the Ganges, which is why the pilgrimage is known as the Kanwar Yatra.
There are different holy sites from where pilgrims collect the holy water of the river Ganga, including Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gaumukh, and Deoghar. Devotees walk on their feet for hundreds of kilometers to pay respect to Lord Shiva. During the pilgrimage, devotees sing bhajans (devotional songs) and chant hymns and mantras to invoke Lord Shiva.
Significance Of Kanwar Yatra
The holy pilgrimage has roots that are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and traditions. One legend ties the origins of the Kanwar Yatra to the Hindu mythological legend of the Sagar Manthan.
According to the legend, Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison that emerged from the churning of the great cosmic ocean to save the universe. To alleviate his sufferings, devotees of Lord Shiva offered him water from the Ganges. The Kanwar Yatra is more than just a pilgrimage – it symbolizes great penance, determination, and immense faith.
Kanwar Yatra Route Map
There are many prominent routes devotees follow during the Kanwar Yatra; however, major routes begin from the holy cities of Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri. Devotees carry water from the Ganges from these cities and continue their journey towards a major Shiva temple. Here are a few of the most prominent routes of the Kanwar Yatra.
Haridwar route: Devotees walk from Haridwar to either Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (Rishikesh), Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar, Jharkhand) or the Pura Mahadev Temple (Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh).
Gangotri route: Gangotri, the source of the Ganges, is a key destination marking the beginning of the Kanwar Yatra. Devotees carry holy water to major temples like the Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi) and Baidyanath Dham.
Gaumukh route: Devotees collect holy water from Gaumukh to reach their respective destinations – some of these being the Kashi Vishwanath temple, Dudheshwar Nath temple (Ghaziabad), and Augharnath temple (Meerut).
Important Guidelines For Kanwar Yatra 2025
- Devotees must undergo a health examination before partaking in the Kanwar Yatra. This is to ensure that the devotee is physically fit to travel long distances and is free of any communicable diseases.
- Avoid traveling alone or diverting from your group if participating in the Kanwar Yatra. Stay in touch with your group to avoid losing communication.
- Carry essential items like first-aid kits, flashlights, a compass, water bottles, and sun and rain protection gear (umbrellas, raincoats, etc).
- Avoid littering and maintain cleanliness and hygiene throughout the pilgrimage. Also, use reusable water bottles and cutlery instead of relying on disposable paper/plastic items.
- Respect local traditions and customs and avoid participating in any act that might hurt the sentiments of other devotees.
- Follow health and hygiene protocols issued by local governance, including any COVID-19 (if any) or any other communicable disease-related guidelines.
Summing Up
The Kanwar Yatra 2025 is about to be a religious pilgrimage unlike any other. It is so because the holy festival will see millions of devotees walk their way for thousands of kilometers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. This physically strenuous task not only reflects devotion and faith but also reflects the sheer determination and physical endurance of these devotees.
