The month of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this sacred period, the Kawad Yatra holds great religious importance. Millions of devotees participate in this pilgrimage. As per religious beliefs, devotees also known as Kanwadiyas undertake a journey on foot carrying Kawads, collecting Ganga Jal (water) from places such as Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand. The water is then offered by devotees to Lord Shiva in their local temples. For the unversed, “The kavad, kawad or kanwar is a pole or bamboo with two water pots tied on either side. This is kept on the shoulder as the devotees walk toward their destination.”
