Kanwar Yatra 2024 Date | Kanwar Yatra History and Religious Significance

Kanwar Yatra 2024: During the Shravan month, the cities where Maa Ganga recites, are filled with bhajans and aarti of Lord Shiva. People wear orange dresses, and take flags of saffron, seeking blessings of Shiva Ji. This is none other than our Kanwar Yatra, the Yatra where devotees walk barefoot for a number of days to take Lord Shiva’s blessings. 

People who do the Kanwar Yatra are known as Kanwariyas. Devotees collect the holy water from Maa ganga river which they use to bathe Shiva Ling during Amavasya or on the time of Mas Shivratri. The month of Shravan is the month of Lord Shiva. Many devotees keep fast on the Mondays of this month. 

In this blog we will know about Kanwar Yatra 2024 in detail. You will also understand the historical connections of Kanwar Yatra and its significance in Hindu Religion. 

Kanwar Yatra 2024 (What is Kanwar Yatra)

The Kanwar Yatra festival is the yatra taken out by the holy sages as well as saints including thousands of devotees. By chanting Lord Shiva’s bhajans and slogans, on their way devotees seek blessings from Shiva Ji which helps them to remove their sins. These Kanwariyas who perform the yatra, carry “Kanwar” which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this, both sides hang the Maa Ganga water. 

The Kanwar Yatra goes to Gangotri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, and Gaumukh. In such places, devotees bathe in the holy river Ganga. At the time of Kanwar Yatra festival, a number of camps as well as gathering of devotees in Gangotri and Haridwar can be seen. As per beliefs, Haridwar has been in records for having the biggest gathering of humans there during Kanwar Yatra. 

Kanwar Yatra Date and Time 2024 (When is Kanwar Yatra)

In this year, Kanwar Yatra festival falls on 22nd July i.e Monday. Only about a month is left for this Kanwar Yatra festival to begin. The Jal Abhishek will be performed on the day of Sawan Shivratri. As this year Shravan month is Adhikmas, which is also known as Puroshottam Mas, therefore, we will have two Sawan Shivratri i.e., Masik Shivratri. 

The first Shivratri is on 15th of July. Jal time of the same will be on 16th of August during 12:11 AM to 12:54 AM. The second Shivratri will be on 14th of August. Jal time of the same will be on 16th of August during 12:09 AM to 12:54 AM. 

The Kanwar yatra arrives during the Shravan month as per the hindu calendar. It stays between the months of July to August. It begins on the tithi of Pratipada which is the first day in the month of Shravan as per the calendar of Purnimanta. 

Story of Kanwar Yatra

As per the beliefs, during the time of Samudra Manthan, that happened during the time of Saawan or Shravan, around fourteen rubies came from there. All of them were distributed between the demons as well as Gods. 

The poison was left behind. In order to let that poison end, Lord Shiva himself drank it all. The poison was stored in his throat, because Lord Vishnu recites in his heart. By this, Lord Shiva got the name of Neelkanth which means throat which is blue in colour. 

It is also in belief that Raavan who is known as the king of demons, offered Maa Ganga’s holy water to Lord Shiva. It lowers the effect of poison in this throat. Everyone offered the same to him. Due to this, till date, we celebrate Kanwar Yatra and offer Maa Ganga river water to Lord Shiva. 

Significance of Kanwar Yatra

The Kanwar yatra festival is the most essential Yatra performed in India as it is also known as the most difficult one. It is believed that serving food and water to Kanwariyas is known to be a good act. Lord Shiva blesses the one who does it. Such a ritual is full of divinity and peaceful on its own. By performing this, Kanwars go on a spiritual break and find peace by chanting bhajans and doing kirtans. 

It releases stress and removes negativity from one’s life. It is believed that a mind is creative when it’s in relaxation form. Wishes also come true to those who complete the Kanwar Yatra. 

Kanwar Yatra Importance Guidelines

There are various rules and regulations which devotees have to follow during their Kanwar Yatra. Let’s discuss them below:-

• Transportation is strictly prohibited during Kanwar Yatra. All the devotees have to be barefoot during the Yatra. 
• No intake of drinks, meat, or drugs is allowed. Even tamasic food which includes onion, garlic, and more is also prohibited. 
• It is not allowed to touch Kanwar without bathing.
• Never place the Kanwar on any furniture. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kanwar Yatra?

The Kanwar Yatra festival is the yatra taken out by the holy sages as well as saints including thousands of devotees. By chanting Lord Shiva’s bhajans and slogans, on their way devotees seek blessings from Shiva Ji which helps them to remove their sins. These Kanwariyas who perform the yatra, carry “Kanwar” which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

When is Kanwar Yatra?

In this year, Kanwar Yatra falls on 22nd July i.e Monday. Only about a month is left for this religious festival to begin. The Jal Abhishek will be performed on the day of Sawan Shivratri.

What is the reason for Kanwar Yatra?

As per the beliefs, during the time of Samudra Manthan, that happened during the time of Saawan or Shravan, around fourteen rubies came from there. All of them were distributed between the demons as well as Gods. 

Who are Kanwariyas?

People who do the Kanwar Yatra are known as Kanwariyas. These Kanwariyas who perform the yatra, carry “Kanwar” which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

What is the rule of Kanwar Yatra?

There are various rules and regulations which devotees have to follow during their Kanwar Yatra festival. Let’s discuss them below:-

• Transportation is strictly prohibited during Kanwar Yatra. All the devotees have to be barefoot during the Yatra. 
• No intake of drinks, meat, or drugs is allowed. Even tamasic food which includes onion, garlic, and more is also prohibited. 
• It is not allowed to touch Kanwar without bathing.
• Never place the Kanwar on any furniture. 

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