English: Kanwar Yatra or Kawad Yatra (कांवड़ यात्रा) is an auspicious pilgrimage observed by the devotees of Lord Shiva annually. This yatra is also called Jal Yatra as in this practice the bearer known as ‘Kanwariyas’ (कांवड़ियों) or Kanvadias go the Hindu pilgrimage places in the state of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gangotri, and Gaumukh in Uttarakhand and Haridwar to fetch water from the Holy Ganges and then offer the ‘Ganga Jal’ to Shiva temples in their hometowns.

Kanwar Yatra takes place during the Hindu month of Shravan that corresponds to the month of July to August in the English calendar. It starts on Pradipada tithi (the first day) of Shravan month as per the Hindu calendar.

During the Kanvar Yatra, the devotees carry the ‘Kanvar’ on both their shoulders. ‘Kanvar’ is a small pole made from bamboo to which two colored earthen pots are tied on the opposite ends. During this pilgrimage journey, the Kanvarias fill the earthen pots with holy water for offering in Lord Shiva’s temple by balancing the Kanvars on their shoulders.

The Kanwar Yatra is a month long ritual in which the Kanvarias wear saffron-colored clothes and walk barefooted to collect the holy water from the chosen pilgrimage destinations. The devotees then return to their hometown and perform the ‘abhishekam’ (holy anointment) of the Shivling at the local temple. It is considered to be an act of thanksgiving for all the fortunate things in their life. The only thing to take care is that the earthen pots should not touch the ground at any point of the journey. There are numerous makeshift stands constructed across the journey, using which the Kanvarias can take some rest for a while.