The Kawad Yatra is one of the largest annual pilgrimages in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, travel to Haridwar to collect holy water from the Ganga and carry it back to their local Shiva temples.
📅 Dates (2026)
In 2026, the Kawad Yatra is expected to begin in July during the Hindu month of Shravan and conclude before Shravan Shivratri. The peak pilgrimage days usually fall between mid-July and early August, when millions of devotees undertake the journey.
🛣️ Main Route from Haridwar
The traditional route starts from Har Ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar, where devotees fill their kawads with Ganga jal. Popular routes include:
- Haridwar → Roorkee → Muzaffarnagar → Meerut → Ghaziabad → Delhi
- Haridwar → Bijnor → Moradabad → Rampur → Bareilly
- Haridwar → Saharanpur → Shamli → Panipat → Sonipat
Kanwariyas often walk barefoot, chanting “Bol Bam” and traveling in groups. Special lanes, medical camps, and security arrangements are set up along these routes to ensure safety.
The yatra symbolizes devotion, discipline, and spiritual purification, making it a deeply meaningful journey for millions of Shiva devotees across India.