Why are Shiva devotees called ‘Kanwariya’ during Kanwar Yatra? Know recognition

kanwar yatra 2026Image Credit source: PTI

Kanwar Yatra Significance: As soon as the month of Sawan starts, the atmosphere of devotion to Lord Shiva is seen all around. The crowd of devotees increases in the pagodas and devotees from different parts of the country turn to holy rivers and pilgrimage places to collect Ganga water. After this, the devotees travel on foot and reach the Shiva temples of their respective areas and anoint Lord Shiva with Ganga water. This religious journey is called Kanwar Yatra and the Shiva devotees who participate in it are called Kanwariya or Kanwadiya. The Kanwar Yatra of the year 2026 will start from 30th July 2026 and will end with Jalabhishek on Sawan Shivratri on 11th August 2026. But have you ever wondered why the Shiva devotees going on Kanwar Yatra are called Kanwariya? Let us know the meaning of the word Kanwariya and the religious tradition behind it.

What is Kanwar?

Kanwar is a structure made of a special kind of wood or strong stick, on both ends of which Kalash or vessels are tied. These vessels are filled with water from the holy river. After this the devotees travel on foot carrying this Kanwar on their shoulders. This journey of the devotees is considered a symbol of their devotion and dedication towards Lord Shiva because they walk with Kanwar on their shoulders. Devotees move forward chanting the name of Lord Shiva throughout the journey and after completing their journey, offer Ganga water on the Shivalinga.

Why are the devotees who lift Kanwar called Kanwariya?

Actually, the word Kanwariya is directly related to Kanwar. The devotees who travel carrying Kanwar carrying holy water are called Kanwariya. That is, only the devotees who wear Kanwar or travel with Kanwar are called Kanwariyas. During Sawan, when lakhs of Shiva devotees walk towards the Shiva temples of their village or city with Ganga water from Haridwar, Gangotri, Gaumukh and other holy places, then they are called Kanwariyas.

What is the importance of Ganga water in Kanwar Yatra?

Ganga water is considered very sacred in Hindu religion. According to religious beliefs, River Ganga came to earth from the locks of Lord Shiva’s hair. This is the reason why the relationship between Lord Shiva and Ganga water is considered very special. Kanwariyas fill water from the holy river and keep it in Kanwar and then proceed towards their destination on foot. After the completion of the journey, Lord Shiva is anointed with this water. It is believed that by offering Ganga water to Bholenath in Sawan, Lord Shiva is pleased and fulfills the wishes of the devotees.

Kanwar Yatra Photo: PTI

Why is there a tradition of walking in Kanwar Yatra?

The tradition of walking in Kanwar Yatra is seen to be linked with the penance and faith of the devotees. Many Shiva devotees walk long distances to reach their destination. During this, they also follow many rules. Kanwariyas take the name of Lord Shiva on the way and move forward chanting ‘Bol Bam’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’. All devotees eat satvik food during the journey and do not keep their Kanwar on the ground. According to religious beliefs, it is considered important to keep Kanwar sacred and with respect.

Also read: Why Kanwar is not kept on the ground? If kept by mistake, does the journey get broken?

Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.

Varun Chauhan

More than a decade of experience in electronic and digital media. After doing a journalism course from Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) Noida in 2008, I started my journey in media with the idea of ​​doing something different and new. Since the beginning, I have been interested in making those topics related to Indian culture and religious traditions available to the common people. During his career, he got the opportunity to work in prestigious media organizations like Channel One News, Sahara Samay, A2Z News, News Express, National Voice and Punjab Kesari Digital. While working in these institutions, I got the experience of learning news writing, field reporting, and digital content. At present, in the country’s largest news network TV9 Bharatvarsha, I am fulfilling the responsibility of delivering news related to religion and faith, religious events, astrology, vastu, mythology, temple traditions and fasts and festivals to the readers in simple, easy and factual language. The coverage of Maha Kumbh 2025 is one of the important experiences of my career, where I got the opportunity to write in detail on the faith of crores of devotees, the traditions of the Akharas, the activities of the Sant Samaj and the religious and cultural aspects related to the Kumbh. Apart from this, he has also continuously written on Chardham Yatra, Sawan, Navratri, Diwali, Holi, Chhath Puja, Amarnath Yatra, Ramzan and other major religious events. I have special interest in the study of Indian culture, religious philosophy, astrology, numerology, Vastu Shastra, Puranas and folk beliefs. My endeavor is always to convey religious and spiritual topics to the readers through simple language, so that they can better understand their traditions and cultural heritage.

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