Every year during the month of Sawan, Kawad Yatra or Kanwar Yatra is one of the largest pilgrimage journeys observed by millions of devotees in India. In this yatra, ‘Kanwariyas’ (devotees who carry Kawads) go to religious places, such as Haridwar and Uttarakhand to bring water from the Holy Ganga River. There is a ritual of offering this sacred jal to Lord Shiva on the occasion of Sawan Shivratri. The Kanwar Yatra 2025 will begin from 11th July and conclude with Sawan Shivratri on 23 July. In this guide, we will help you navigate the routes, rituals and tips of this sacred journey.
What is Kanwar Yatra?
Kanwar Yatra is a devotional pilgrimage where devotees (called Kanwariyas) fetch holy water from the Holy Ganga River, carrying it in bamboo slings (Kanwars), and walk barefoot to pour it on Shiva Lingas in temples across India.
This sacred journey symbolizes dedication and devotion to Lord Shiva, especially during the holy month of Shravan.
Major Routes & Destinations of Kanwar Yatra 2025
1. Haridwar – Neelkanth Mahadev / Local Temples (Uttarakhand & UP)
- Start Point: Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
- Route: Haridwar → Roorkee → Muzaffarnagar → Meerut → Ghaziabad / Delhi / Noida / Gurgaon
- End Destination: Local Shiva Temples or Neelkanth Mahadev (Rishikesh)
- Distance: 150–250 km depending on the temple
2. Sultanganj – Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar, Jharkhand)
- Known as Shravani Mela
- Distance: 108 km through forests and rural Bihar–Jharkhand areas
3. Varanasi & Bengal Routes
- Local routes towards Kashi Vishwanath and Tarakeshwar Temple (West Bengal)
Facilities Along the Way
- Langars: Free food stalls with vegetarian meals
- Medical Camps: First-aid stations and bike ambulances
- Rest Camps: Shelters with fans, mist sprays, and resting beds
- Sanitation: Toilets and water stations every few kilometers
Kanwar Yatra 2025 Important Dates and Timings
| Sunrise | 11th July, 5:52 AM |
| Sunset | 11th July, 7:12 PM |
| Pratipada Tithi Timing | 11th July from 02:06 AM to 12th July, 02:09 AM |
| Jal Time of Sawan Shivatri | 24th July from 12:11 AM to 12:55 AM |
Suggested Read: Most Popular Festivals in July One Must Attend
Kanwar Yatra Rituals
During the Kanwar Yatra, devotees carry a ‘Kanvar’, a lightweight pole traditionally made of bamboo, balanced on their shoulders. Attached to both ends of this pole are two colored earthen or steel pots, which are used to carry holy water from the sacred rivers, such as Ganga. Kanwar Yatra is a month-long pilgrimage in which Kanvarias wear saffron-colored clothes and often walk barefoot, covering long distances to reach prominent pilgrimage sites. After collecting the holy water, they return to their hometowns to perform ‘abhishekam’ as an expression of gratitude to Lord Shiva for blessings in their lives.
During the yatra, Kanvarias typically travel in groups. While many undertake the journey on foot, others use bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, jeeps, or even mini-trucks to complete the pilgrimage. Throughout the journey, devotees chant ‘Bol Bam’ and devotional bhajans of Lord Shiva.
Key Travel Tips for Kanwar Yatra 2025
Before You Go:
- Wear comfortable cotton clothes
- Carry a basic first-aid kit, water bottle, and flashlight
- Avoid carrying valuables
During the Yatra:
- Walk on the left side of the road and follow the Kanwar lanes
- Stay hydrated and take breaks at rest points
- Respect fellow pilgrims - no loud music, no harmful activities
Safety Precautions:
- Carry your ID card
- Avoid walking alone at night
- Report medical emergencies at designated health booths
Kanwar Yatra 2025 Highlights
- Chanting of “Bol Bam” and “Har Har Mahadev” echoes along the entire route.
- Many Kanwariyas decorate their Kanwars with LEDs, flowers and photos of Lord Shiva.
- Volunteers, villagers and local shopkeepers offer free food and water to pilgrims regardless of religion or caste.
Suggested Read: Guru Purnima Date, Timings, Meaning, Significance and Celebrations
Kanwar Yatra in Different Cities of India
| Region | Unique Aspect |
|---|---|
| Haridwar–Delhi Route | Biggest crowds, vibrant kanwar designs, DJ processions |
| Bihar–Jharkhand Route | Rural charm, tough forest terrain, Shravani Mela |
| Bengal | Family pilgrimages, traditional folk bhajans |
| Rajasthan | Camel-borne kanwars, desert heat endurance |
| Madhya Pradesh | Tribal processions towards Mahakal Temple, Ujjain |
Final Thoughts
Kanwar Yatra is not just a religious event - it’s a living expression of India’s spiritual spirit. Whether you walk the entire way or drive to meet the pilgrims, Kanwar Yatra 2025 guarantees a spiritually enlightening journey and strengthens Hindu religion. If you're planning to embark on the Yatra this year, prepare your mind and body for a journey where every step resonates with faith. May Lord Shiva bless you with the heavenly love, kindness and serenity on this Sawan Shivratri. Har Har Mahadev!
FAQ’s - Kanwar Yatra 2025
The Kanwar Yatra will start from 11th July and will go until Shrawan Purnima on August 7, 2025.
The Kawad Yatra passes through several key regions in Uttar Pradesh, with major routes stretching from Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri toward cities like Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Bareilly and Varanasi.
Yes, certain highways and roads will be subject to special traffic arrangements, diversions and no-vehicle zones. Travelers should refer to updates and advisories issued by the district administrations for more information.
Yes, they can, though it's important to stay cautious due to large crowds in the pilgrimage. Authorities typically provide rest camps, medical services and security along the route.
Depending on government guidelines for crowd management and safety, registration, either online or offline might be required, especially in Uttar Pradesh. It’s best to refer to official websites or contact local authorities as the event date approaches.
