Kamlesh and Rajesh Begin Pilgrimage to Kashi with Kawad from Prayagraj

The Kanwariya pilgrimage exhibits many different manifestations of faith. In some places, pilgrims walk, devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva, while in others, people undertake journeys, taking on difficult vows to fulfill wishes. During the Kanwariya passing through Ghaziabad, a touching scene emerged, demonstrating not only devotion to Lord Shiva but also respect for elders and love for family.

Himanshu Chauhan and his brother Prince Raghav are performing the Kanwariya, carrying their grandmother Rupa Devi on their shoulders. Both brothers started from Haridwar with 50 liters of Gangajal, including their grandmother in this journey. The grandmother is part of their pilgrimage, and the brothers take turns carrying her on their shoulders as they move forward.

The photograph of the grandmother sitting on a shoulder during the Kanwariya attracts the attention of passersby along the route. People stop upon seeing this scene. On one side, each brother carries a kanwar filled with sacred Gangajal on their shoulder, and on the other, they carry their elderly grandmother. For both brothers, this journey is not limited to bringing Gangajal from Haridwar to bathe the deity Shiva.

According to them, this pilgrimage is also dedicated to the happiness and good health of their grandmother. Himanshu Chauhan reported that on August 11, they will bathe the deity Bholenath in Noida.

Himanshu wishes that Lord Bholenath preserves happiness, peace, prosperity, and well-being in their family. Furthermore, he wants his grandmother Rupa Devi to always remain healthy and happy. It was with this thought that both brothers embarked on the Kanwariya, taking their grandmother with them. The display of family connection is evident in the fact that the brothers did not leave Rupa Devi behind but decided to take her along, as a long walk is not easy for Rupa Devi at her age.

During the journey, the brothers take turns carrying their grandmother on their shoulders. Sometimes Himanshu takes on this responsibility, and sometimes Prince Raghav does. Thus, both brothers complete their journey carrying both the kanwar and the grandmother. In this journey, the grandmother is not just an elderly family member for them, but an important part of their resolve and prayer. The brothers strive for the bathing of Lord Shiva's deity, and for their grandmother to also become a part of this religious journey.

On Sunday evening, Himanshu and Prince Raghav stayed at the Chauhan family's Kanwariya camp in the Hoda area of Ghaziabad, along with their grandmother. This camp provided facilities for accommodation, bathing, food, and distribution of prasad for the pilgrims. Upon arrival, ASPI Indirapuram Suryabali Maurya also distributed prasad to the pilgrims, greeting them with a shower of flowers. He highly appreciated the Kanwariya service of the Chauhan family, which has been ongoing for 36 years.

Thanks to the reception and service of the pilgrims on the route, the enthusiasm of both brothers increased. Himanshu and Prince Raghav note that the service and reception of pilgrims along the way strengthen their desire to continue the journey. However, the most touching scene of this entire journey remains the grandmother and the two brothers: both brothers move forward with 50 liters of sacred Gangajal in a kanwar on their shoulder, while simultaneously carrying their grandmother on their shoulder.

During the month of Sawan, the atmosphere of devotion to Bholenath reigns on the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Prayagraj, accompanied by loud shouts of 'Har Har Mahadeva'. On the Dashashwamedh Ghat, located in the Daraganj area of Sangam city, there is a complete immersion in the cult of Shiva. Huge masses of devotees flow towards the banks of the Ganga.

People of all ages—from small children to the elderly and youth—take a dip in the sacred Ganga to fill their kawads with holy water. Pilgrims approach the priests, the Tirthapurohits, performing rituals, and praying to the deity Bholenath for the well-being and prosperity of their families.

On the ghat, devotees are seen performing exercises to atone for sins before God while holding their hands. An atmosphere of reverence prevails, and the shouts of 'Bol Bam' and 'Har Har Mahadeva' fill the air with spirituality.

This year, two types of Kawadiyas stand out in the pilgrimage. Some, dressed in white attire, are called 'Daak Bam' Kawadiyas; they run non-stop to perform Jalabhishek (water pouring) in temples at designated times. Others, regular Kawadiyas, travel to various Shiva temples, singing hymns and performing dances to ask for peace, tranquility, and prosperity for their families.

The divine beauty of the month of Sawan has completely enveloped Prayagraj, attracting everyone with its amazing blend of faith, trust, and devotion. The Daraganj Ghat in the month of Sawan is colored with the hues of devotion. From bathing in the Ganga to preparing for the water offering to Bholenath, all pilgrims desire one thing—that the grace of Bolla Baba may be upon their entire family. This is why the echo of 'Bol Bam' and 'Har Har Mahadeva' can be heard everywhere in Prayagraj.