Come the monsoon month of Shravan (also known as Savan), it is common to spot groups of saffron-clad young men moving together along roads in vibrant processions. Some walk barefoot, others ride bikes or perch on the backs of trucks. If the procession is outgoing, they are seen carrying bamboo poles on their shoulders, with two pots suspended at either end. These are the Kanwariyas. The annual pilgrimage, known as the Kanwar Yatra, begins weeks before the new moon (Amavasya) of the month. Pilgrims travel to the holy city of Haridwar to collect water from the Ganga and then return to their native towns and villages across India, where they offer the sacred water to local Shiva shrines. In recent years, the Kanwar Yatra has attracted scholarly interest due to its increasing scale and cultural significance. These three books delve into the yatra's roots, purpose, and growing popularity: Walking With Pilgrims: The Kanwar Pilgrimage of Bihar, Jharkhand and the Terai of Nepal by Ruma Bose Why do people go on pilgrimages? What deeper social functions do these journeys serve? London-based researcher Ruma Bose answers these questions while she examines the older, more complex version of the Kanwar Yatra known as the Kunwar Tirtha, observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and the eastern Terai of Nepal. She calls it "the oldest pilgrimage of its kind." Samudra Manthan by Tanmay Mehta To fully grasp the origins of the Kanwar Yatra, one must return to its mythological roots, which lie in the story of Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the cosmic ocean. This myth, which features gods and demons uniting in their quest for amrit (nectar of immortality), explains how the sacred Ganga water and Lord Shiva became central to this annual ritual. Author and illustrator Tanmay Mehta brings this tale to life in a stunning graphic novel that blends traditional Indian art with contemporary comic-book aesthetics. Hindu Pilgrimage: A Journey Through the Holy Places of Hindus All Over India by Sunita Pant Bansal This book offers a broader lens on Hindu pilgrimage culture. Sunita Pant Bansal reflects on why people go on teerthas—sacred journeys of atonement, spiritual renewal, and inner peace. While pilgrimages aren’t mandatory in Hinduism, they remain deeply woven into its ethos. The book covers significant circuits such as the Chaar Dhaam, Himalayan Chaar Dhaam, Dwadash Jyotirlingams, Shakti Peethas, and more. It is rich with vivid photographs and concise descriptions, providing both information and inspiration for anyone considering a sacred journey through India.
