Rules of Kanwar Yatra: Every year, Kanwar Yatra also starts with the month of Sawan. For Shiva devotees who undertake Kavad Yatra, it is no less than a pilgrimage. Every Kanwar completes this journey on foot. The devotees who bring Kanwar are known as Kanwadis. If you are going to do your first Kanwar Yatra this Sawan, then know in advance how many types of Kanwar Yatra there are and what are the important rules related to Kanwar Yatra.
Kanwad Yatra is starting from this day-
This year the month of Sawan is starting from 22 July 2024. In such a situation, Kanwar Yatra will also start from this day, Monday, which will end with Sawan Shivratri on 02 August 2024.
There are four types of Kanwar-
If you are taking Kanwar for the first time, then you must be aware that there is not one but four types of Kanwar and each Kanwar has its own rules and importance. The names of these four Kanwars are – General Kanwar, Dak Kanwar, Khadi Kanwar, Dandi Kanwar.
General Kanwar-
There are pandals set up at most of the places for the Kanwariyas having normal kanwar, where they can keep their kanwar and rest.
Dak Kanwar-
The kanwariyas carrying the mail kanwars keep moving continuously without stopping. They have to keep walking continuously till the place where Ganga water is filled and where Jalabhishek is to be performed.
Khadi Kanwar-
When the kanwariyas carrying the standing kanwar rest, they carry their kanwar on their shoulders with them.
Dandi Kanwar-
Dandi Kanwar is considered to be the most difficult Kanwar. Kanwadis take at least a month to complete this journey. In Dandi Kanwar, the Kanwariya has to travel while bowing with the cheers of Bol Bam. He goes from home to the river bank and then carrying water to the Shiva temple, offering obeisance.
Rules of Kanwar Yatra-
During Kanwar Yatra, devotees should eat satvik food while staying away from drugs, meat, alcohol or tamasic food.
-During the Kanwar Yatra, special care is taken that Kanwar is not kept on the ground during the yatra. If this happens, the Kanwar Yatra is considered incomplete.
-Kavad is always touched only after bathing.
-During the Kanwar Yatra, the skin of the Kanwariyas should not be touched nor should the Kanwariya be carried over anyone.
-During the Kanwar Yatra, one should keep chanting the name of Lord Shiva all the time.