3 days ago
Markets turn into vibrant hubs of devotion ahead of Kanwar Yatra
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Prayagraj: As
kanwariyas
gear up to embark on their revered journey, the city's markets are abuzz with an air of devotion and anticipation. With the annual pilgrimage slated to commence on July 11, vendors and artisans are busy showcasing an array of Kanwar Yatra-related essentials, catering to the hundreds of devotees of Lord Shiva, affectionately known as kanwariyas.
As the Kanwar Yatra approaches, the markets are transforming into vibrant hubs of devotion and commerce. Shops and stalls are sprouting up, offering a kaleidoscope of saffron-coloured clothing, flags, t-shirts, and other accessories that cater to hundreds of kanwariyas. For around 500 families in the Sangam City, who have been selling Kanwar Yatra-related items for four to five decades, the month of Shrawan is a time of opulence and prosperity.
These families have stocked up sufficiently, anticipating a lucrative season. The majority of them expect to earn a profit of Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 by selling kanwars, utensils, garlands, bells, and special kanwar dresses. With Shravan beginning on July 11, the Ganga ghats and Sangam are set to welcome millions of kanwariyas, who will gather holy water to offer to Lord Shiva.
These devotees will soon embark on a barefoot journey to revered sites such as Kashi Vishwanath and other prominent Lord Shiva temples, including Padila Mahadev, to offer the sacred 'Jalabhishek' ritual.
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by Taboola
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Before doing so, they will gather holy water from Sangam and the river Ganga at Dashaswamedh and Daraganj ghats, an act steeped in tradition and spiritual significance. As the city gears up to welcome these devotees, the atmosphere is filled with an aura of spirituality and festivity.
Amitabh Gour, a religious scholar, highlights the significance of the Kanwar Yatra, a revered Hindu pilgrimage. He notes that millions of devotees, or kanwariyas, undertake a sacred journey to collect holy water from Sangam and other Ganga ghats, which is then offered at Shiva temples as an act of devotion.
According to Gour, the spiritual attire of Kanwariyas also plays an important role in this journey, underscoring the cultural and spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
Devotees collect holy water from the Ganga ghat and offer Jalabhishek at various local Lord Shiva temples, including Someshwar Mahadev, Gopeshwar Nath Mahadev, Panchmukhi Mahadev, Takshak Teerth, Pandeyshwar Nath Dham, Mankameshwar Mahadev, Bhayaharannath Dham, Mukundeshwar Nath, Koteshwar Mahadev and Shiv Kutchery.
These temples hold significant spiritual importance for the devotees, who offer prayers and perform rituals as part of the Kanwar Yatra.
Rajesh, a vendor selling Kanwar materials, expresses optimism about business prospects this year, citing the state government's efforts to make adequate arrangements for the Kanwar Yatra and kanwariyas. He expects around 50,000 to 1 lakh Kanwariyas to arrive at Daraganj and other ghats to collect holy water.
Anuradha, another vendor, shares insights into tradition, saying that devotees of Lord Shiva typically purchase kanwars and decorative items to adorn them before embarking on their journey to Varanasi to offer Jalabhishek to Lord Shiva during the Shrawan month.
