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Lucknow. With the beginning of the holy month of Sawan, the famous ‘Kanwar Yatra’ (Kanwar Yatra 2026) of devotees of Lord Shiva is going to begin across the country. Blisters on the feet, scorching sun, humid heat and walking distance of hundreds of kilometers – this journey is as full of faith as it is physically difficult and challenging. It is often seen that many devotees set out on a journey in enthusiasm without checking their physical capacity, due to which their health suddenly deteriorates on the way. According to health experts and doctors, it is very essential to get some basic health checkups done at least a week before setting out on the Kanwar Yatra, so that there is no physical hindrance in this holy path of darshan of Bholenath.
1. Cardiac & Heart Checkup (ECG & TMT)
During Kanwar Yatra, devotees have to walk several kilometers every day, which puts extra pressure on the heart. If you complain of shortness of breath or heaviness in the chest while walking, then get an ECG or treadmill test (TMT) done once before travelling. This helps in knowing the functioning of the heart and emergency situations like heart attack can be avoided during travelling.
2. Regular checking of blood pressure (BP)
Blood pressure levels can suddenly increase or decrease due to continuous walking and exposure to sunlight. People who already have the problem of high or low BP should take their medicines on time and should get the exact level of their BP checked by a doctor before leaving on a trip.
3. Diabetes (Blood Sugar Level) Test
Diabetes patients have to take special care of their feet while traveling on foot. If the amount of sugar in the blood is uncontrolled, even a minor injury or blister on the feet can turn into a serious infection. Therefore, get fasting and PP blood sugar test done before travelling, and start the journey only on the advice of the doctor.
4. Lung Capacity (Pulmonary Function Test – PFT)
To travel long distances amidst humidity and dust, it is very important to have strong lungs. Devotees who have chronic complaints of asthma, bronchitis or allergies should consult their pulmonologist (lung specialist) before setting out on the journey and should always keep necessary inhalers or medicines with them.
5. Strength of bones and joints (Joints & Bone Health)
The entire weight of Kanwar Yatra is on the feet and knees. If you already have problems with knee pain, increased uric acid or arthritis, get checked by an orthopedic doctor before travelling. Use knee support (Knee Cap) as per need and get the levels of calcium and vitamin D in the body checked.
6. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Infection Test
During this monsoon season, the risk of viral diseases like dengue, malaria and typhoid is very high. Get a CBC test done before leaving for a trip to ensure that the platelets and hemoglobin levels in your body are absolutely normal and there is no internal infection in the body.
7. Kidney and Liver Function Test (KFT & LFT)
The risk of dehydration is highest during hiking, which has a direct impact on the kidneys. Getting a basic kidney and liver function test done before traveling ensures that your body is fully prepared to withstand the metabolic stress during this arduous journey.