Kanwar Yatra, Kavadi Yatra,Kanvar Yatra
This is an annual yatra of the devotees of lord shiva. The people who are a part of this yatra are called as Kanvarias.
The meaning of Kanwar yatra is derived from Kanvar which means a single pole, to the end of which are hanging two pots to carry some thing. It is normally carried on the shoulder, such that the middle of the pole is exactly on the shoulder and care is taken that the weight that is hanged on either end is equal.
Kanwar Yatra
The purpose of this Yatra is to fetch the holy water of Ganga from Haridwar,Gangotri and Gaumukh. This water is brought back to their respecitve villages and offered to the Shiva Ling in the local temples. The water is poured on the Linga and this is known as Abhishekam.People travel on foot to fetch the water. While returning with water, the pots or the bowls should not touch the ground. This is very popular in North India and there are people who walk all the way from Maharashtra, Madhyapradesh etc to fetch water.
Now a days people are travelling to a nearest place by vehicle, and then taking the Yatra on foot from there.People who are very far away from Haridwar etc take up the yatra to a local river or pond and fetch the water.
This year the Yatra begins on July 4th and ends on the Masa Shivaratri of the Shravan Month. Masa Shivaratri is the Triodasi or the thriteenth day of the Krishna Paksham of the Shravan Month.
