Kanwar Yatra: Exploring the Legacy of Bol Bam Yatra

Have you seen people carrying a bamboo pole with two pots hanging on both sides, wearing saffron clothes, and waking barefoot during the month of Sawan? Yes, that is what the Kanwar Yatra looks like. It is one of the most awaited and auspicious pilgrimages undertaken by the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Moreover, it’s a way to seek his blessings and show gratitude towards him. So, without revealing a lot here, let’s get ahead with knowing more about this annual pilgrimage of devotees of Shiva.

What is Kanwar Yatra?  

The word “Kanwar” itself explains the significance of this sacred journey. Kanvar means carrying holy water in the pots on both sides of the bamboo stick. During the month of Shravana, devotees travel from all around the country to participate in this annual pilgrimage to fetch water from the holy river Ganga. 

Moreover, the devotees participating in this sacred pilgrimage are called the “Kanwarias,” which means travellers or devotees. There are various destinations where Shiv devotees can fetch the Ganga jaal. Some of them are Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri and Sultanganj, Bihar. The devotees fetch water from the holy river Ganga and then take them back to their hometown. They do so to offer a Jal Abhishekam in the local Shiv Temple on the day of Shravan Shivratri. 

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Why Do People Participate in the Kanwar Yatra?

Here are why people participate in the Bol Bam Yatra, which is held annually during the month of Sawan. So, let’s explore its significance. 

• The month of Shravan (August) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thus, doing a kavad yatra during this month is auspicious and blissful for the devotees. 
• Devotees travel miles barefoot to reach their destination and collect holy river water from the Ganga River. 
• Participating in this sacred journey is like taking a spiritual break. You avoid all distractions and focus on religious activities at the pilgrimage site. 
• The holy water of Ganga is pure and sacred; therefore, taking a dip in it during the month of Shravan can wash away all negative energies and detoxify your mind and body. 
• The Kaudia yatra shows gratitude towards Lord Shiva and thanks him for all the blessings and protection he has been showering over his devotees.
• It is also a way of social bonding where you meet devotees from around the country and participate in the holy annual pilgrimage. 
• The barefoot journey of Bol Bam Yatra is a chance for introspection and spiritual development.

The Story Behind the Kanwar Yatra in Hindu Mythology 

The following are the ancient Hindu mythological tales related to the Kanwar yatra. These stories also explain who the first person to participate in the Kanwar Yatra was. 

1. Lord Shiva’s Selfless Act

During Samudra Manthan, a bottle of lethal poison emerged from the Samudra that threatened the universe. To protect the Earth and heaven, Lord Shiva drank the poison. After a while, his throat started to turn blue, creating a burning sensation in his neck and increasing the temperature of his overall body. 

Moreover, this is why Lord Shiva is also called Neelakanth. Seeing this, all the Gods started pouring water on Lord Shiva, trying to cool him down. This was during the Shravan month, and thus, after this, people started to offer Jal Abhishekam to Lord Shiva. 

2. Lord Parshuram, being the first Kanwarias

According to ancient mythological stories, Lord Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, was the first person to perform the Kanwar yatra. He was the first to go to Garh Mukteshwar, a city in Uttar Pradesh, to collect the Ganga Jal and offer it to the shivling. After this, the tradition of pouring gangajaal in a Shivling started, and people started participating in the Kuvad Yatra. 

3. The Story of Shravan Kumar 

Shravan Kumar was the dedicated son of old parents who, barefoot, took his parents to pilgrimage sites all over Bharatvarsha. They were not privileged enough to pay for the transportation. However, to fulfil his parents’ wishes, he carried them by putting each parent in a basket. He tied the end of a bamboo pole to the basket, which he would carry on his shoulder. Therefore, this story depicts Shravan Kumar’s dedication to his parents and his desire to take them on a Kavad Yatra. 

Different Types of Kanwar Yatra

Six different types of Kanwar yatra can be followed by devotees. Choosing which way to follow depends on personal preferences. 

1. Normal Kavad Yatra: 

The normal journey involves stopping at places where the devotees can rest on their way to the pilgrimage site. There are pandalas where travellers can relax and start their journey the next day. 

2. Jhoola Kavad Yatra 

This is one of the toughest ways of the journey where the Kanwar cannot be kept on the ground. The kanwari has to carry the bamboo pole throughout the journey without keeping it down. 

3. Baithi Kavad Yatra 

In this type of yatra, the kanwaris can keep the hanging bamboo pole on the ground. They can rest on their way and then start the journey again. 

4. Khadi Kavad Yatra 

During the Khadi Kavad Yatra, devotees must stand and walk while continuously holding the kanwar. If the person carrying the kanwar becomes tired, another person can replace them, but the kanwar must be kept hanging on the shoulder throughout the journey.

5. Dak Kavad Yatra 

Dak Kavad Yatra is very rare among devotees because, in this type of yatra, the devotees have to keep running continuously. They cannot stop anywhere in between the journey. From starting the journey until the end, they have to keep running. 

6. Dandi Kavad Yatra 

During the Dandi Yatra, devotees commence their journey by seeking blessings at nearby Shiv temples. They cover the distance by lying down throughout the entire journey. This form of kavad yatra is the toughest one and takes several days to reach the final destination. 

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Rules for Performing a Kanwar Yatra 

If you are participating in a Kaudia yatra, here are some rules to ensure a safe and successful journey. Read below to learn what you must keep in mind before participating. 

• The kanwarias (participants) should walk barefoot in the kuvad yatra. 
• They must wear saffron while travelling to Bolbam because this colour is strongly associated with Lord Shiva. 
• On the way to yatra, devotees carry bamboo poles with two pots on both sides. Those pots filled with Gangajaal should not touch the ground. 
• On your journey, one must avoid eating non-vegetarian. Devotees should only intake satvik food. 
• During the yatra, the devotees should indulge in singing and listening to Shiv bhajans. Also, one should keep their mind free from any kind of intoxicated thoughts. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

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