Haridwar to Delhi turns saffron as lakhs of kanwariyas march with faith and creativity
Haridwar/ Meerut : As the holy month of Shravan continues, the Kanwar Yatra is in full swing with lakhs of devotees, known as kanwariyas, journeying on foot, bicycles, and decorated vehicles to collect holy water from the Ganges in Haridwar and other sacred sites. From young men in saffron robes to elderly pilgrims chanting “Bol Bam”, the roads across north India, especially through western UP are a sight of unparalleled devotion and color.
Among the sea of orange and faith, one image this year has captured national attention, a kanwariya carrying a massive, eye-catching kanwar shaped like a Bharmos missile. The symbolic design has turned heads, evoking a mix of surprise, amusement, and admiration from fellow pilgrims and onlookers.
This symbolic kanwar, carried with pride and discipline, reflects the blending of modern-day creativity with ancient traditions. It also underlines how for many young pilgrims, the Kanwar Yatra has become not just a religious journey but a canvas for artistic expression and contemporary commentary.
Speaking to our correspondent near Meerut, 22-year-old Rajat Chaudhary, the man behind the Bharmos kanwar, said, “Lord Shiva is the ultimate destroyer of evil. Carrying the Bharmos is symbolic of the power we draw from our faith – to defeat negativity in our lives.” His group, walking from Haridwar to Delhi, says it’s also their way of spreading awareness about spirituality through modern icons.
Across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana, authorities have ramped up security measures for the yatra. State police, RAF, and SDRF personnel are deployed along major routes. CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, water stations, and medical camps are in place to ensure a safe and seamless journey for pilgrims.
The movement of kanwariyas, often barefoot over hundreds of kilometers, is not just an act of personal penance but a show of communal solidarity and disciplined faith. Many chant “Bam Bam Bhole” in unison while others play devotional music through portable speakers.
The kanwars themselves range from minimalist bamboo carriers to elaborate multi-tiered displays lit with LED lights and adorned with national flags, mythological artwork, and messages of environmental and social consciousness.
Meanwhile, traffic restrictions have been imposed on various routes including NH-58 and key stretches of Delhi-Meerut Expressway to ensure pilgrims’ safety. Several educational institutions in districts like Meerut, Ghaziabad and Muzaffarnagar have declared temporary closures.
The Kanwar Yatra, with its high-energy devotion, logistical scale, and spiritual discipline, remains one of the largest peaceful religious gatherings in the world. This year’s Bharmos kanwar is just another reminder of how faith continues to evolve – expressive, imaginative, yet deeply rooted in tradition.
