Every year, followers of Lord Shiva go on the Kavad Yatra as a pilgrimage to ask for his blessings. The Kanwar Yatra is scheduled to start on July 22, 2024, and end on August 2, 2024, which is Sawan Shivratri.
Kawad Yatra 2024 Start And End Date
The Kanwar Yatra is scheduled to start on July 22, 2024, and end on August 2, 2024, which is Sawan Shivratri. Devotees look forward to the sacred journey of Kanwar Yatra all year long.
Sawan Shivratri is the day for the water offering or jalabhishek. There will be two monthly Shivratris this year when Shravan falls during Adhik Maas, an additional month in the Hindu calendar (Sawan Shivratris).
- The first Sawan Shivratri is on July 15; the water offering period is auspicious on July 16 from 12:11 AM to 12:54 AM.
- The second Sawan Shivratri falls on August 14; the water offering period falls on August 15 between 12:09 AM and 12:54 AM.
- Sawan 2024 Start Date
The Rituals of Kawad Yatra
The “Kanvar” is carried by the pilgrims on both shoulders during the Kanvar Yatra. A “kanvar” is a little bamboo pole with two colorful clay pots connected to its opposing ends. While undertaking this trip, the Kanvarias balance the Kanvars on their shoulders and fill the clay pots with sacred water for giving at the shrine of Lord Shiva.
The Kanwar Yatra is a month-long ceremony in which the Kanvarias gather holy water from designated pilgrimage sites while walking barefoot and dressed in saffron. After that, the devotees go back to their hometown and visit the local temple to conduct the “abhishekam,” or holy anointing, of the Shivling. It’s thought of as an expression of gratitude for everything good in their lives.
The only precaution needed is to make sure the clay pots never come into contact with the ground while traveling. All along the route, there are several improvised platforms where the Kanvarias may stop and relax.
Groups of Kanvarias stroll throughout this sacred yatra. While the majority of believers walk the whole distance, some even utilize motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, jeeps, or mini-tucks to get there. These followers of Lord Shiva sing “Bol Bam” and other devotional bhajans in his honor during the voyage.
How Did the Kavad Yatra Begin?
Legend has it that the first Kanwariya was the devoted disciple of Lord Shiva named Ravana. Ravana brought Ganga water in his Kanwar and used it to anoint the Shivlinga during a crisis brought on by the churning of the ocean and the appearance of poison, aiding Lord Shiva in neutralizing the poison.
Significance of Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra ceremony has a unique meaning. By reciting the sacred hymens, the Kanvars attempt to calm their minds and take a spiritual break via this type of devotion. It is seen as a distraction from difficult and unpleasant conditions with the potential to provide inspired thoughts along the route.
It is a well-known truth that creativity can only occur in a calm mind. Gathering the sacred water from the Ganga River represents gathering inspiring and imaginative thoughts to bring back to the workplace to accomplish unfinished business.
It is also said that by finishing the Kanwar Yatra, Lord Shiva bestows his heavenly blessings on the Kanvarias, granting them all of their desires. It is also believed that serving the Kanvarias is auspicious.
Story of Kanwar Yatra
According to legend, around fourteen rubies originated there during the Samudra Manthan period, which occurred under the reign of Saawan or Shravan. They were all divided between the gods and the demons.
There was still poison present. Lord Shiva took all of the poison to put a stop to it. Because Lord Vishnu chanted in his heart, the poison was kept in reserve in his throat. As a result, Lord Shiva acquired the epithet Neelkanth, which translates to “blue throat.”
There is also a myth that Lord Shiva was given the holy water of Maa Ganga by Raavan, often referred to as the king of devils. It lessens the toxicity in this pharynx. To him, everyone made the same offer. As a result, we still commemorate Kanwar Yatra and give Lord Shiva water from the Maa Ganga river.
Kanwar Yatra Importance Guidelines
Devotees must abide by many laws and guidelines whilst on their Kanwar Yatra. Let’s talk about them below:-
- During the Kanwar Yatra, transportation is forbidden. During the Yatra, all devotees must be barefoot.
- It is not permitted to consume alcohol, meat, or narcotics. It’s forbidden to eat tamasic cuisine, which contains garlic, onions, and other ingredients.
- Kanwar cannot be touched without first taking a bath.
- The Kanwar should never be placed on furniture.