Daily Current Affairs : 10-July-2023

The recent welcoming of kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) in Haridwar during the Kanwar Yatra by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister has brought attention to this religious practice. The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage where thousands of devotees undertake a journey of hundreds of miles to fetch holy water from the Ganga (Ganges River) and offer it at various local shrines of Lord Shiva. This essay aims to provide insights into the significance of the Kanwar Yatra and shed light on the devotion of the Kanwariyas.

Understanding the Kanwar Yatra
  1. The Kanwar Yatra: A Sacred Journey

The Kanwar Yatra takes place in the month of Shravan, according to the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in July. It involves devotees embarking on a pilgrimage to fetch holy water from the Ganga and then making offerings at different local shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

  1. The Significance of the Term ‘Kanwar’

The word ‘Kanwar’ refers to the device used by the devotees to fetch water. During the Yatra, the devotees carry this structure on their shoulders, earning them the name Kanwariyas.

Religious Significance of the Kanwar Yatra
  1. Tracing its Roots in Ancient Scriptures

The origins of the Kanwar Yatra can be found in Hindu Puranas, where it is mentioned that Ravana, while worshiping Lord Shiva, fetched the holy water of the Ganga in a kanwar as an offering. This act is connected to the event of ‘Samudramanthan,’ described in ancient Indian texts, where Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the world. The offering of the holy water during the Yatra is believed to help relieve Lord Shiva of the negative energy from the poison.

  1. Purification and Devotion

The Kanwar Yatra holds deep spiritual significance for devotees. It is seen as an opportunity for purification and seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The journey is undertaken with utmost devotion and faith, symbolizing the devotees’ dedication to their belief.

Kanwar Yatra and its Participants
  1. A Massive Religious Gathering

The Kanwar Yatra stands as one of the largest religious gatherings in India. Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, predominantly come from various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand.

  1. Fetching Holy Water from Sacred Sites

The holy water is fetched from four significant places of Hindu pilgrimage:

  • Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri in Uttarakhand.
  • Sultanganj in Bihar.

Important Points:

  • The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage where devotees travel long distances to fetch holy water from the Ganga and offer it at local shrines of Lord Shiva.
  • The Yatra takes place in the month of Shravan and holds deep religious significance.
  • The term ‘Kanwar’ refers to the device used by the devotees to fetch water, and they are called Kanwariyas.
  • The origins of the Kanwar Yatra can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures, where it is connected to the event of ‘Samudramanthan’ and Lord Shiva’s consumption of poison.
  • The Yatra serves as a means of purification and seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.
  • Kanwariyas predominantly come from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
  • The holy water is fetched from four significant places: Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri in Uttarakhand, and Sultanganj in Bihar.
  • The Kanwar Yatra is one of the largest religious gatherings in India, drawing massive participation.
  • The recent welcoming of kanwariyas in Haridwar by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister highlights the importance and spirit of devotion associated with the Yatra.
Why In News

Recently, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister warmly embraced and extended his heartfelt greetings to the multitude of Kanwariyas, ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, as they converged in Haridwar for the auspicious Kanwar Yatra. The Chief Minister commended their unwavering faith and commitment, assuring them of the state’s full support and impeccable arrangements for a safe and spiritually enriching pilgrimage.

MCQs about The Kanwar Yatra

  1. What is the purpose of the Kanwar Yatra?
    A. To fetch holy water from the Ganges
    B. To celebrate Lord Shiva’s birthday
    C. To seek blessings from Lord Vishnu
    D. To honor the river goddess Yamuna
    Correct Answer: A. To fetch holy water from the Ganges
    Explanation: The Kanwar Yatra involves devotees undertaking a pilgrimage to fetch holy water from the Ganga and offer it at local shrines of Lord Shiva.
  2. When does the Kanwar Yatra usually take place?
    A. January
    B. February
    C. July
    D. December
    Correct Answer: C. July
    Explanation: The Kanwar Yatra is typically conducted in the month of Shravan, according to the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in July.
  3. What is the significance of the term ‘Kanwar’?
    A. Device used to fetch water
    B. Holy scripture
    C. Ritual dance
    D. Musical instrument
    Correct Answer: A. Device used to fetch water
    Explanation: The word ‘Kanwar’ refers to the structure used by the devotees to carry and fetch water during the Yatra.
  4. From which states do the majority of Kanwariyas come?
    A. Maharashtra and Gujarat
    B. Tamil Nadu and Kerala
    C. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
    D. Rajasthan and Punjab
    Correct Answer: C. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
    Explanation: Kanwariyas predominantly come from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand, among others.

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