In Pics: Kawariyas across India travel to Haridwar to collect holy Ganga water
25 Photos . Updated: 19 Jul 2025, 02:30 PM IST
Share Via
Kanwar Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage where Kanwariyas carry Ganga water to offer at Shiva temples during Shravan. Dressed in saffron, they walk barefoot or use decorated palanquins. This year, Sawan Shivratri falls on 23 July.
1/25Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami washes the feet of a Kanwariya during the annual Kanwar Yatra in Haridwar (@pushkardhami X)
2/25During the 'Kanwar Yatra', a large number of devotees gather at Har Ki Paudi Ghat in Haridwar to collect Ganga water. (ANI)
3/25Kanwariyas gather to collect Ganga river water during their pilgrimage in the holy month of Shravan at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar (PTI)
4/25'Kanwariyas' gather to collect Ganga river water during their pilgrimage in the holy month of 'Shravan', at Har Ki Pauri, in Haridwar (PTI)
5/25'Kanwariyas' gather to collect Ganga river water during the holy month of 'Shravan', at Har Ki Pauri, in Haridwar (PTI)
6/25'Kanwariyas' gather to collect Ganga river water during their pilgrimage in the holy month of 'Shravan', in Prayagraj (PTI)
7/25Kanwariyas, devotees of the Hindu god Shiva, carry holy water of the river Ganges during the 'Kanwar Yatra' pilgrimage in the sacred month of Sawan, on the outskirts of Haridwar (AFP)
8/25Kanwar Yatra pilgrims on Delhi-Meerut Road in Ghaziabad ( HT)
9/25Kanwariyas carrying holy water from the Ganga in Haridwar on their way back to their hometown in Alwar district, Rajasthan, during the Kanwar Yatra (HT)
10/25Kanwar Yatra pilgrims seen carrying holy water from Haridwar during the Kanwar Yatra ( HT)
11/25Kanwar Yatra pilgrims on Delhi-Meerut Road in Ghaziabad ( HT)
12/25Kanwar Yatra pilgrims ( HT)
13/25An old female Kanwariya ( )
14/25Kanwar Yatra pilgrims ( HT)
15/25Kanwar Yatra pilgrims seen carrying holy water from Haridwar during the Kanwar Yatra on Delhi-Meerut Road in Ghaziabad ( HT)
16/25Kanwariyas carrying Ganga water return from Haridwar by a waterlogged road during the Shravan month, in Haridwar (ANI)
17/25A devotee seen carrying an idol of the sage performing worship of Shiva as Kanwariyas return after collecting Ganga river water during the Shravan month, in Meerut (ANI)
18/25Kanwariyas return after collecting Ganga water during the Shravan month, in Meerut (ANI)
19/25Kawariyas seen during rain at Noida-Delhi border. (HT)
20/25Kanwariyas with a tableau of Lord Shiva return after collecting Ganga river water in Meerut (ANI)
21/25'Kanwariyas' carry water from River Ganga amid rain during the holy month of 'Shravan' in Haridwar (PTI)
22/25'Kanwariyas' take bath while they halt at a camp amid the ongoing Kawar Yatra, in New Delhi (PTI)
23/25'Kanwariyas', Lord Shiva devotees, carry holy water during the annual Kanwar Yatra, in Haridwar (PTI)
24/25'Kanwariyas' during their pilgrimage in the holy month of 'Shravan', at Har Ki Pauri, in Haridwar (PTI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
36 minutes ago
- India.com
From Cursed Temples To Vanishing Villages: Chennai's Wildest Urban Legends
The capital city of Tamil Nadu in southern India which is simply known as Chennai embodies both historical significance and traditional heritage. The city of Chennai is known for its busy arts community and delicious food and stunning buildings as well as various neighborhood myths and legends which created its unique character throughout many decades. Local stories formed through the spiritual and social understanding of the region reveal how people of Chennai shape their understanding of past and present as well as future expectations. Legend of Kapaleeswarar Temple: A Pillar of Faith A visit to Chennai to explore its mythological heritage must include the Mylapore landmark known as Kapaleeswarar Temple. Historians trace the roots of this Shiva temple from the 7th century Pallava dynasty period even though the Vijayanagara Empire reconstructed its current structure during the 16th century. Scientific accounts confirm that Hindu mythology associates this temple with Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. Legend tells that Parvati briefly closed her eyes during head massage with Shiva which darkened the universe for a short moment. Shiva swiftly cursed his wife Parvati to walk as a human being on the planet Earth due to her playful closing of her eyes. Karpagambal (a name for Parvati) was born into royalty as a princess who honored peacocks during her existence. After taking severe penance under a mango tree Parvati received her divine form when Shiva manifested as Kapaleeswarar ('Lord of the Skull'). Second, the location of the Kapaleeswarar Temple at this holy grounds. Daily temple visitors deeply identify with these themes because they reflect the devotional nature as well as redemption stories and the importance of humility that runs through the local faith. During its annual Brahmotsavam festival the temple welcomes numerous pilgrims who recognize it serves as the religious foundation of Chennai. Basilica: Bridging Mythology and History St. Thomas Mount forms a legendary connection with the adjacent Santhome Basilica. Early Christian tradition tells of apostle St. Thomas who came to India in 52 AD spreading Christianity down the Coromandel Coast with Chennai as part of his mission. People believe St. Thomas received his martyrdom on St. Thomas Mount before his remains were laid under the modern-day basilica. Hundreds of thousands of Christians from across the globe visit the church because it contains relics believed to be from St. Thomas as well as his tomb. The 'Bleeding Cross' located at St. Thomas Mount carries ancient Pahlavi writings that strengthen the historical significance of the legend. The story remains influential for Chennai's history because it brought religious communities together to share space and tolerance. Enigma of Marina Beach and Adi Shankara Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, holds more than just scenic beauty. The legend at Marina Beach exists because of 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya who used his Advaita Vedanta philosophy to revive the Hindu faith. According to legend Adi Shankara participated in scholar debates at the beach to spread his teachings while visiting the city which was known then as Madrasapatnam. The legend provides no definitive proof about a connection between Adi Shankara and Marina Beach yet it displays Chennai's historical heritage as a place of philosophical discussion. Modern society uses the beach area for entertainment purposes while its historical significance represents Chennai's religious background. Temple: Tales of Krishna's Valor The Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane presents stories from the Mahabharata as it honors Lord Vishnu through his appearance as Krishna. According to popular belief Krishna acted as the chariot driver for Arjuna in the Kurukshetra war. The deity inside the temple holds only a conch and discus while omitting all weapons to symbolize Krishna's promise he made during his time of recovery from injuries. Chennai maintains an enduring link with legendary texts like the Mahabharata that continues to fuel artistic expression and musical and dance creation of Bharatanatyam. All its elaborate sculptural details along with its numerous gopurams serve as an architectural symbol of the partnership between skill and religious devotion that defines the city. Surrounding Semmozhi Poonga The modern botanical arrangement of Semmozhi Poonga stands in contrast to other landmarks even though traditional myths remain present in its history. Town people share historical accounts about traditional medicines that ancient seers and healers once employed. Tamil culture demonstrates its dedication to nature through these historic stories while following the current environmentalist movement toward sustainability. Conclusion: Myths as Cultural Anchors The legends and myths of Chennai play a central developmental role because they unite different generations and create strong feelings of neighborhood ties. Statements about divine temples and historical accounts about saints and philosophers form the basis of Chennai's shared history. Subsequent to the urban development of IT parks and skyscrapers rests an extensive heritage of wisdom that exists through both oral traditions and sacred religious texts. Chennai maintains its cultural foundations firmly rooted by preserving and broadcasting these stories as its people march forward with modernity. Those interested in understanding Chennai's metropolitan essence can learn valuable insights about its essence by studying its legends.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Tourism on upward path': Goa minister slams ‘social media influencers' over ‘false narratives'
Goa minister Rohan Khaunte slammed 'social media influencers', alleging that they take money to create false narratives about a decline in the state's tourism. He countered their claims with official data that shows Goa's "strong upward trajectory". Goa's tourism is on a strong upward trajectory, supported by robust efforts and initiatives undertaken by both the state and Central governments, the minister said. (Unsplash) Addressing the Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon session, Khaunte said that the government has "nothing to hide as data speaks for itself". He dared the influencers to show proof of the 'decline' they are making claims about. He spoke about the reports of a decline in tourists to the coastal state. He said, "They (influencers) take money to create noise and circulate false narratives. But when we presented official data, none of them countered it. If there is a decline, show proof. We have nothing to hide, data speaks for itself." "There is a rise in tourist arrivals. Goa's tourism is on a strong upward trajectory, supported by robust efforts and initiatives undertaken by both the state and Central governments. Flights arriving in Goa and the hotels in the state are almost full with tourists," PTI news agency quoted the minister as saying. 'Increased flight arrivals, hotels mostly full' Citing official data, the Goa tourism minister said that between January and June this year, Goa recorded more than 57 lakh (57,12,758 precisely) tourist arrivals. Of these, over 34 lakh domestic arrivals were via Vasco's Goa Dabolim International Airport, and more than 22 lakh were through the Manohar International Airport at Mopa. There were a total of 3,23,835 international arrivals, with over 1 lakh via the Dabolim airport and over 2 lakh through Manohar airport. Khaunte said that in the past six months alone, Dabolim and Mopa airports have witnessed a huge number of arrivals. Additionally, hotels have also remained occupied between 70 and 100 per cent throughout the year. The state minister presented a comparative analysis, showing pre-pandemic numbers to illustrate Goa's remarkable recovery in tourism. "In 2019, Goa recorded 71,27,287 domestic and 9,37,113 international tourists, totalling 80,64,400. In 2024, the number surged to 99,41,285 domestic and 4,67,911 international tourists, totalling 1,04,09,196," he said. Khaunte went on to add, "This reflects a 39.48 per cent growth in domestic tourism compared to pre Covid-19 levels and a 50 per cent recovery in international tourism. Goa has bounced back stronger than ever. These numbers clearly show that tourism is thriving." Further, Goa has also tapped into new markets for tourism, with flights and international promotions for countries like Poland, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan driving the connections. "Goa is now linked to several parts of the world. Efforts like roadshows and marketing campaigns have opened up previously untapped tourist segments," the state tourism minister said in the assembly.
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
Sarita Vihar flyover repair work in Delhi to finally begin tomorrow; know about alternate routes, details inside
Those travelling to and from Southeast Delhi and beyond will have to brace for traffic disruption as the Sarita Vihar flyover repair works will begin from Friday. Owing to the repair work, the Sarita Vihar flyover will remain partially closed till August 8. Commuters travelling from Badarpur and Faridabad towards South Delhi will suffer the most. Residents of Sarita Vihar, Ohkla, and Govindpuri, too, will face the brunt. Kalindi Kunj roads and the Sarita Vihar flyover had recently faced heavy traffic congestion owing to the Kanwar Yatra. Since 2023, talks of the repair work have been going on, but it never started owing to one reason or the other. In October last year, the traffic police had shared an advisory, but despite that, the repair work never saw the light of day owing to some issues with the contractor and the previous government. Finally, the Public Works Department (PWD) will undertake repair work from Friday. During this period, half of the carriageway will remain closed for vehicular movement, while the other half will remain operational round the clock to ensure partial traffic flow. The Delhi Traffic Police also issued an advisory on Thursday morning asking commuters to make prior arrangements and plan their journey in advance. Vehicles coming from Badarpur border and heading towards Ashram via Mathura Road may use the following alternate routes: Route 1 – Badarpur border-MB Road-Pul Prahladpur-Lal Kuan-Right towards Maa Anandmai marg-crown plaza-Govindpuri-Right turn towards Modi mill flyover-Left turn for Mathura road towards Ashram. Route 2 – Use slip road adjacent to Sarita Vihar flyover-Left turn for Okhla, right turn at Crown plaza-Maa Anandmai marg-Govindpuri-Right turn towards Modi mill flyover-left turn for Mathura road towards Ashram. Traffic officials said movement of heavy and commercial vehicles on Mathura Road from Badarpur towards Sarita Vihar flyover will be restricted. Sakshi Chand is working as an Assistant Editor with the Indian Express. She has over a decade of experience in covering crime, prisons, traffic and human interest stories. She has also covered the communal clashes in Kasganj, Aligarh, Trilokpuri riots as well as the North-East Delhi riots. Apart from being a journalist, she is also a National level basketball player and a coach. Before joining the Indian Express, she was working for The Times of India. ... Read More
