Kawad yatra 2022; a visual tour

Every year, during the monsoon, kawadiyas storm into Delhi NCR. During this time they have a prominent presence on the roads of Delhi. This time even though the rains are delayed the Kawadiyas have made their presence felt right on time. In the last few years Kawad yarta has been in news for the strong tradition it has, its ever-growing popularity among its followers (especially youth from small towns), the traffic disruption it causes and sometimes the violent clashes it results in.

The Kawad yatra began on July 14 this year, and the devotees can be seen returning from Haridwar via Ghaziabad through areas such as Mori gate, ISBT, near Jhandelwalan (at the starting of Ridge Raod), Dhaula Kuan and many other main roads. They are seen making their way to Delhi borders to neighbouring states such as Rajasthan Haryana and Punjab. Many people have put stalls and resting places where devotees can get food and sleep. At every kilometre, you can find a resting place. The Kawadis (a common name for devotees) can be seen wearing orange clothes with jal matkas on their shoulders. In the coming days their presence is only going to increase further.

They are the followers of Lord Shiva who go to Haridwar to participate in the auspicious Kawad Yatra. This festival, also known as the 'Shravan Mela', is one of the largest religious gatherings in North India. The devotees undertake this journey barefoot with utmost devotion and enthusiasm. The yatra is also known as a Jal Yatra because it involves carrying a Ganga Jal to Shiva temples in one's hometown from Hindu pilgrimage sites, including Sultanganj in Bihar, Gangotri and Gaumukh in Uttarakhand, and Haridwar.

Here are some pictures representing Kawad Yatra 2022 taken by CitySpidey's photographer Jagmohan Rawat.