Famous storyteller Pradeep Mishra participated in the special session 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' of 'Aaj Tak Dharma Sansad' held in Ujjain, the city of Mahakal. On Friday, he expressed his views on the Kanwar Yatra, Shiva devotion, and the changing nature of faith. He emphasized that the original purpose of the Kanwar Yatra is the remembrance and reverence of Lord Shiva, not any kind of display, noise, or show-off. Mishra also stated that a true Kanwariya should carry not only Ganga Jal but also better resolutions for their future. He said that this journey requires devotion, discipline, and feeling rather than ostentation.
Storyteller Pradeep Mishra objected to the use of DJs and excessively loud music. He said that when a Kanwariya walks, they do not need external sound because their internal feelings are extremely strong. However, he acknowledged that playing loud DJs has become a fashion in the current time, which is unnecessary. He gave an example that the Kanwar Yatra is being organized in his Sehore region, and the administration had given clear instructions while granting permission that DJs would not be included in the procession, and his committee agreed with this decision. The journey will conclude with bhajans and remembrance of God.
Mishra also highlighted how people are turning the Kanwar Yatra into a means of showing off. Responding to the trend of people getting special clothes stitched, T-shirts made, and making big arrangements to carry the Kanwar, he said, 'Hey brother! Just say 'Bol Bam' and become one with Mahakal. When you get time, walk slowly taking Baba's name. It is not mandatory to perform the Kanwar Yatra with so much pomp.'
In response to questions regarding the Kanwar Yatra and inconvenience to the general public, he stated that originally, the administration of all states has ensured separate routes for the Kanwar pilgrims. He mentioned the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar, which have designated specific routes. A separate Kanwar route has also been created in Sehore. He also said that just as residents of Ujjain can visit Mahakal daily without anyone stopping them, those devotees who come walking from afar should be given way and respected.
Regarding people's comments, he called it a common custom of the world. In this context, he narrated a story in which it was told that when Bhole Baba was carrying Mata Parvati on Nandi, people commented that both were heavy riders on Nandi. Lord Shiva suggested that Parvati sit and he himself descend. When Lord Shiva started walking, people commented that he was a 'slave to his wife'. Conversely, when Lord Shiva sat and Parvati walked, people said that he was making a 'delicate woman' walk. Finally, when all three descended and Nandi walked alone, people still commented that 'Nandi is so good, why don't both sit down?' Through this story, he showed that the world will always say something.
Under the title 'Kanwariya carries tomorrow, not water,' he explained that people believe the Kanwariya is only carrying water, whereas the reality is that Mahakal and Lord Shiva walk with the Kanwariya. He believes that the Kanwariya is carrying their future, and when that water is offered to Mahakal, Mahakal changes the cycle of life of great people, so it is not just water; a pot of water solves all problems.
He further said that the water of the Kanwar is not ordinary, but the water of bliss. He urged the listeners to pick up the Kanwar when they get the opportunity. He also mentioned that as soon as the Kanwar is placed on the shoulder, its staff automatically starts swaying, and 'Bol Bam... Bol Bam...' starts coming from the mouth, creating an experience as if Mahakal himself is dancing with joy throughout Avantika Puri.
