Spiritual swag: Young kanwars turn up the fashion metre
India, July 11 -- Aman Singh, a shopkeeper in Lahori Gate's Sadar Bazar, says,
"We mostly sell orange T-shirts and shorts that are popular with kawariyas. People from Delhi and nearby states like Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan come here to buy these during the season."
Mohammed Firoz, a local vendor in Sadar Bazar's Lahori Gate area, shares,
"We sell anywhere between 100 to 200 pieces daily. Our prices start at just Rs.100, which makes it affordable for everyone. People from across NCR come here specifically to shop for these items."
Pritam, a kanwariya who has been part of the yatra for over a decade, shares,
"I've been doing the Kanwar Yatra for the past 11 years, and I always come to Sadar Bazar to buy my shirts. This time, I'm here with my younger brother-we've been checking out different styles. For me, any shirt with Shivji's face on it becomes an instant favourite."
The owner of Unique Hotelware, a copper and brass shop in Deputy Ganj, Sadar Bazar, shares, "We sell brass matkas to Kanwar yatris during the yatra season. Prices usually start at Rs.1,100 and go up to Rs.3,000 for the larger 15 to 20-litre matkas. Most people prefer the medium-sized ones, around 3 to 4 litres, as they're easier to carry."
Subhash, from Hukum Chand Ritesh Kumar, a shop in Nehru Bazaar, Paharganj, says, "Young boys going on the Kanwar Yatra often come to buy multiple pieces of these wall tapestries. They use them to drape around themselves or to decorate their trucks putup fairy lights around them and DJ setups. These tapestries are quite popular-Shivji's beautiful images add a spiritual touch to everything."
A worker at Chopra International, Janpath, shares, "Rudraksh bracelets here start from Rs.100, while neckpieces range between Rs.450 and Rs.1,300. During the Kanwar season, we see a wide range of customers-from youngsters to older devotees-buying these spiritual accessories. They're especially popular this time of year, as people like to wear them as a mark of devotion."
Ananyashree Rathore a recent graduate of Lady Sri Ram College, "I choose to wear a bhagwa (saffron) skirt and blouse , symbolizing devotion and renunciation, paired with a maroon dupatta that adds a touch of grace and strength. Around my neck, I'll wear a rudraksha mala, grounding me in faith and spirituality. Barefoot and spirited, I'll chant "Bol Bam!" with every step, joining the chorus of thousands walking in faith and surrender."- Student's quote, need name
"I am doing the yatra with a group of friends. I have been going since I was a kid and I have very fond memories of going with my father so now when I am going this year, I have chosen to wear his dhoti. Given how hot it can get, there is nothing more comfortable than a dhoti pairing it with my saffron t-shirt."...
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