The annual Kanwar Yatra 2026 has commenced today, Thursday, July 30, marking the beginning of one of India's largest religious pilgrimages dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every year during the holy month of Shravan (Sawan), millions of Kanwariyas undertake the sacred journey to collect holy water from the River Ganga and offer it to Lord Shiva during Sawan Shivratri.

The pilgrimage, also known as Kanwad Yatra or Jal Yatra, witnesses devotees travelling barefoot to major pilgrimage centres such as Haridwar, Gangotri, Gaumukh and Sultanganj, carrying bamboo poles (Kanwars) with pots filled with Ganga water.

Kanwar Yatra Begins with Shravan Month

According to the Hindu calendar, the Kanwar Yatra starts on Pratipada Tithi of the Shravan month (Purnimanta calendar).

This year, the Pratipada Tithi begins at 8:05 PM on July 29 and ends at 9:30 PM on July 30. Based on the Udaya Tithi, the pilgrimage officially begins on July 30, 2026.

When Will Jalabhishek Be Performed?

The holy Ganga water collected during the yatra is offered to Lord Shiva on Sawan Shivratri.

In 2026, Sawan Shivratri falls on August 11, while the auspicious Jalabhishek Muhurat will be from 12:09 AM to 12:54 AM on August 12 (IST).

Significance of Kanwar Yatra

Kanwar Yatra is regarded as an expression of devotion, discipline and gratitude towards Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that offering Ganga water on the Shivling during Shravan brings divine blessings, fulfils wishes and removes obstacles from life.

Religious traditions also describe the pilgrimage as a spiritual journey that helps devotees attain mental peace, self-discipline and inner purification through prayers and continuous chanting of "Bol Bam".

Every year, the yatra attracts nearly two crore devotees, making it one of the largest annual religious gatherings in North India.

Rituals Followed During the Pilgrimage

Kanwariyas wear saffron-coloured clothes and usually walk barefoot throughout the journey. They carry the Kanwar, a bamboo pole with two earthen pots suspended from either end, ensuring the pots never touch the ground before the holy water is offered to Lord Shiva.

Most devotees travel in groups, continuously chanting devotional slogans and bhajans dedicated to Lord Shiva. Temporary camps set up by social organisations and volunteers provide free food, drinking water, medical assistance and resting facilities along the pilgrimage routes.

Although most pilgrims complete the journey on foot, some also travel by bicycles, motorcycles or other vehicles depending on local traditions.

Important Timings for Kanwar Yatra 2026

Year-Round Pilgrimage in Bihar-Jharkhand

While the Shravan Kanwar Yatra remains the most significant, devotees also undertake the Sultanganj–Deoghar pilgrimage throughout the year. The nearly 100-kilometre barefoot journey between Bihar and Jharkhand remains one of the country's most revered Shiva pilgrimages.