Jabalpur’s 35-km Kanwar Yatra sees massive devotee participation

With the beginning of Sawan, the holy month dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kanwar yatras are being organised across the country as devotees carry holy water from rivers to Shiva temples and offer it on the Shivalinga. The tradition is deeply rooted in Hindu religious beliefs, with devotees undertaking the pilgrimage seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings and the fulfilment of their wishes.
According to religious traditions, Lord Parshuram is believed to have started the Kanwar Yatra by carrying Gangajal from Garhmukteshwar Dham and offering it at Pura Mahadev near Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh. The tradition has continued for centuries and remains an important part of Sawan festivities.Against this backdrop, a massive Sanskar Kanwar Yatra is being held in Jabalpur, with more than one lakh devotees taking part in the approximately 35-km spiritual journey. The 16th edition of the yatra began at 6 am from Gwarighat on the banks of the Narmada River and will end at Kailash Dham in Khamaria.

VIDEO | Drone visuals of Sanskar Kanwar Yatra in Jabalpur as over 1 lakh Kanwariyas take part in the 35-km spiritual journey.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/E55u2a4Dgy

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The yatra has entered the Golden Book of World Records under the title “Largest Religious Walk Carrying a Sapling”, adding an environmental message to the traditional pilgrimage. Organised by the Sanskar Kanwar Yatra Samiti under the guidance of Samarth Sadguru Bhaiya Ji Sarkar, founder of Narmada Mission, the yatra is being held on the theme “Run for Nature”.Along with a Kanwar, devotees are carrying saplings during the journey to spread awareness about environmental conservation. The organisers said more than one lakh Kanwariyas are participating in the procession.
The yatra began with prayers at Gwarighat and is passing through several parts of Jabalpur, including Rampur Chowk, Adiguru Shankaracharya Chowk, Teen Patti, Traffic Chowk, Sarafa Bazaar, Belbag, Kanchghar, Gokalpur, Ranjhi and Khamaria. It will end at Kailash Dham.The procession is being welcomed at several places along the route, with large numbers of people gathering to witness the religious event.Held in Jabalpur for the 16th consecutive year, the Sanskar Kanwar Yatra is regarded by its organisers as one of the biggest Kanwar yatras in the state.This year, the event combines traditional devotion to Lord Shiva with a message of protecting the Narmada, trees and the wider environment.