Kanwar Yatra

The Kanwar Yatra is one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world, taking place during the month of Shravan (July-August). Millions of devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, walk barefoot to Haridwar to collect holy water from the Ganges in decorated pots (kanwars) carried on their shoulders using a bamboo pole. They then walk back hundreds of kilometres to pour the water on Shiva lingams at their local temples. The pilgrims wear saffron clothing and chant "Bol Bam" throughout the journey. Special camps, medical facilities, and rest stops are set up along the routes. In Haridwar, the ghats are specially organized to facilitate millions of Kanwariyas collecting water. The sight of the endless orange-clad stream of devotees is truly awe-inspiring.