New Delhi: As the month of Sawan begins in India, the Kanwar Yatra has also started. Crore of Lord Shiva devotees starts gathering at Har Ki Pauri. This year the Yatra will be held between July 14-26.
The Kanwar Yatra this time taking place after a gap of two years due to COVID-19. A large number of devotees are expected this year across the nation.
In 2019, the yatra attracted nearly 36 million devotees hailing from 10 states — Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh — converging at Uttarakhand’s Haridwar and undertaking the arduous trek on foot to offer the Ganga water in shrines of Lord Shiva in their localities.
The Kanwar Yatra will pass through the districts of Meerut, Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Shamli and Bhagpat in Uttar Pradesh, and will conclude in Haridwar, Gomukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand.
While most people cover this yatra on foot, some opt for personal vehicles in case they are not able to walk long distances. Many NGOs also come forward to assist the kanwarias in their pilgrimage at various points along the way to the destination, providing makeshift accommodation, food, water and tea.
