Devotees throng Varanasi to worship Lord Shiva

The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage of devotees of Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, to Hindu pilgrimage places of Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand and Sultanganj in Bihar to fetch holy water of Ganga River, Ganga Jal, which is later offered at their local Shiva temples (including Kashi Vishwanath, Baidyanath, and Devghar).

Devotees coming in Varanasi to worship Lord Shiva in the month of Shravan. (Source: Photo by Anand Singh)

The Kanwar Yatra takes place during the sacred month of Shravan (Saawan) falling in August, according to the Hindu calendar.

Devotees going to Kashi Vishwanath temple to worship Lord Shiva. (Source: Photo by Anand Singh)

The Kanwar Yatra is performed by Shiva Devotees called Kanwariyas from Sultanganj to Devghar round the year. (Source: Photo by Anand Singh)

The month of Shravan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and most devotees observe a fast on Mondays during the month.

Shiva devotees at Dashashwamedh road, Varanasi. (Source: Photo by Anand Singh)

The Shiva devotees going to the Ganga river to fetch the Holy water of Ganges to worship Lord Shiva. (Source: Photo by Anand Singh)

Once the pilgrims reach their hometown, the Ganges water is used to bathe the Shivalingam on the Amavasya (New Moon) day in Shravan month, on the Maha Shivratri day.

Kawariyas standing at Chitranjan Park, Dashashwamedh, Varanasi. (Source: Photo by Anand Singh)