Kanwar Yatra is one of the holy pilgrimages of Sanatan Dharma. During this yatra, devotees of Lord Shiva undertake a long journey to pilgrimage sites like Haridwar, Gaumukh or Gangotri to collect water from the holy river Ganga. They carry this water in a kanwar (a bamboo stick with weights hanging at both ends) on their shoulders and perform abhishek (religious bath) of Mahadev on the occasion of Shivratri in the month of Shravan. During the entire journey, the chant of “Har Har Mahadev” keeps echoing in the air. Kanwar Yatra starts every year on the first day of Shravan month. This year, the holy Kanwar Yatra is scheduled to begin on July 30. According to *Drik Panchang*, the month of Shravan starts on July 30, 2026 and ends on August 28, 2026, coinciding with the full moon of the month.
**Anointment of Lord Shiva on Shravan Shivratri**
The holy Kanwar Yatra will begin with the beginning of Shravan month on July 30, 2026. Shravan Shivratri will be celebrated on August 11, 2026, which also marks the conclusion of Kanwar Yatra. On this day, devotees will anoint the Shivalinga using holy Ganga water to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Offering water to Lord Shiva on Shravan Shivratri is considered an act of great spiritual virtue.
**Types of Kanwar Yatra**
Kanwar Yatra is performed in four different ways:
* **Normal Kanwar Yatra:** In this form, devotees carry Ganga water and perform anointment of Lord Shiva, stopping on the way and taking rest as per their convenience.
* **Standing Kanwar Yatra:** This journey is bound by strict rules; Once the water is brought, the Kanwar cannot be placed on the ground at any time during the journey. Usually two or more devotees together carry Kanwar. * **Dandi Kanwar Yatra:** This is considered to be the most difficult form of the Yatra, in which the devotees proceed lying on the ground.
* **Dak Kanwar Yatra:** In this form, devotees quickly move towards the Shiva temple carrying Ganga water – just like a ‘Dak’ (messenger or courier) runs to deliver a message.
**Rules of Kanwar Yatra**
Before starting the Kanwar Yatra, one should adopt a sattvik (pure and disciplined) lifestyle. One should stop consuming non-vegetarian food and Tamasic things a few weeks before the journey. One should stay away from things like alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco. Purity of thoughts should be maintained during travel; Anger, hatred or any kind of negative thoughts should not be allowed to come into the mind. The entire journey is accomplished with devotion, restraint and discipline.
