look news india
In Sanatan Dharma, the month of Sawan (Shravan) is considered extremely sacred for the devotion and worship of Lord Shiva (Mahadev). As soon as Sawan arrives, the atmosphere gets completely colored in the colors of devotion to Shiva and the directions echo with the shouts of ‘Har-Har Mahadev’ and ‘Bam-Bam Bhole’. According to the Vedic calendar, this year the month of Saavan will start from 30 July 2026 and will continue till 28 August 2026 (Saavan Purnima).
The historical and religious Kanwar Yatra taken out in the month of Sawan has special significance. Lakhs of Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) wearing saffron clothes travel hundreds of kilometers on foot to fill Ganga water from holy pilgrimage sites like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gomukh and Sultanganj and then go to the Shiva temples of their respective areas and perform Jalabhishek of Mahadev.
Starting and ending date of Kanwar Yatra 2026
-
Start of Kanwar Yatra: this year 30 July 2026 Kanwar Yatra will formally begin with the beginning of the month of Sawan. From this day itself, Kanwariyas will start collecting water from the holy rivers.
-
Sawan Shivratri (Major Jalabhishek Day): The most important day of Kanwar Yatra is Sawan Shivratri. This year the holy festival of Sawan Shivratri will be celebrated on 11 August 2026.
-
Conclusion of Kanwar Yatra: 11 August 2026 With the Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva on Sawan Shivratri, the Kanwar Yatra of the year 2026 will be formally concluded and the devotees will complete their fast.
Mainly Kanwar Yatra this year total 13 days Will be done.
Ravana was the first to perform Kanwar Jalabhishek: Mythological belief
There is a very famous mythological story behind the beginning of Kanwar Yatra. According to religious beliefs:
-
Samudra Manthan and Halahal Poison: In the month of Sawan itself, the extremely poisonous ‘Halahal poison’ emerged from the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons. To save the entire universe from destruction, Lord Shiva wore that poison in his throat.
-
Neelkanth and body temperature: Due to the effect of poison, Mahadev’s throat turned blue (due to which he was called ‘Neelkanth’) and his body temperature increased drastically.
-
Jalabhishek with Ganges water: To calm down the burning sensation and temperature of Lord Shiva’s body, all the gods and their great devotee Ravana performed Jalabhishek of Mahadev by bringing water from the holy river Ganga.
It is believed that since then, the sacred tradition of performing Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva by bringing water from holy rivers in the month of Sawan and taking out Kanwar Yatra is going on.