How to do the Kanwar Yatra: rules, types of kanwar and safety
Quick answer: The Kanwar Yatra is a journey on foot by devotees of Shiv (kanwariyas) in the month of Shravan. They fill Ganga jal at places such as Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri or Sultanganj, carry it on their shoulders in a bamboo kanwar, and offer it on the Shivling at a local or famous Shiv temple. On the way the kanwar is not set on the ground, devotees keep a sattvic way of life, and they call out 'Bol Bam'.
At a glance
- When
- The month of Shravan; in many places the offering is on Sawan Shivratri
- Water from
- Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri, Sultanganj and others
- Major temples
- Local Shiv temples, Pura Mahadev, Baba Baidyanath (Deoghar) and others
- Chant
- Bol Bam, Har Har Mahadev
Types of kanwar
- Regular kanwar: during rest stops the kanwar can be hung on a stand.
- Khadi kanwar: it is never put down; during rests a companion holds it on his shoulder.
- Dak kanwar: the water is carried without stopping, running in relays, within a set time; usually done in groups.
- Dandi kanwar: some devotees cover the whole way by prostrating again and again.
How the yatra is done
- Prepare your body before the yatra, especially for long walks, and tell your family your route.
- Bathe at the Ganga, take the sankalp, fill the pots with Ganga jal and worship the kanwar.
- Lift the kanwar onto your shoulder and begin, calling 'Bol Bam'.
- On the way, don't put the kanwar on the ground; hang it on the stands at rest camps.
- At the temple, bathe and offer the Ganga jal on the Shivling, then return home and pray.
Do
- Eat sattvic food throughout and drink enough water.
- Follow traffic and police instructions and walk on the marked route at the side of the road.
- Wear bright clothes or reflectors at night and stay with your group.
- Be polite to other pilgrims, villagers and passers-by, and keep camps clean.
Don't
- No meat, eggs, alcohol, tobacco, gutkha or any intoxicant, including bhang.
- Don't put the kanwar on the ground or step over it.
- No loud music, fights or troubling anyone; never take the law into your own hands.
- Avoid leather items such as belts (a common rule).
- If you feel exhausted, dizzy or injured, don't push on; visit a medical camp.
Kanwar rules differ by region and group; follow your guru or experienced kanwariyas. Put health and safety first.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kanwar Yatra?
In the month of Shravan, usually July–August. In North India many kanwariyas offer the water on Sawan Shivratri.
Why is the kanwar not put on the ground?
Traditionally the kanwar holding Ganga jal is sacred, so putting it on the ground is seen as disrespectful.
What is dak kanwar?
Devotees carry the water without stopping, running and often taking turns, to reach the temple within a set time.
Can women do the Kanwar Yatra?
Yes, many women carry kanwar. Go with family or a group for safety.