Haridwar, July 17 -- From intricately designed miniature temples to kanwars lit with LED lights and embedded with rotating models, the ongoing Kanwar Yatra is witnessing dazzling transformation of devotion into a moving spectacle of art, themes, and social consciousness. While the traditional bamboo Kanwars continue to hold sentimental and spiritual value among devotees, a significant number of kanwariyas, especially younger ones and groups from cities, are turning to custom-designed Kanwars, often crafted by professional artists and welders from across the country. These modern Kanwars incorporate LED lighting systems, sound setups, rotating deity models, fibre frames, and social messages, thus transforming the sacred procession into a rolling tableau of contemporary devotion. "This isn't just about style; it's about making a statement, both religious and social," said Vineet Saxena, a Kanwar maker from Meerut, adding, "We have brought artisans from Bengal and local sculptors from Jwalapur to meet the soaring demand for decorative Kanwars." A unique feature of this year's yatra is the number of socially themed Kanwars, carrying messages on environmental conservation, anti-drug campaigns, national unity, and even tributes to Indian armed forces. One of the kanwars has been themed on Operation Sindoor-themed Kanwar, created by kanwariyas from Gaunchi village in Ballabgarh district, Haryana. It depicts Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, two women officers who were prominently involved in the military operation following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April this year. "We want to make sure that the bravery shown during Operation Sindoor echoes across the Kanwar route," said Anuj, Anubhav, and Rithik, the creators of the tribute Kanwar, while chanting "Jai Hind" and "Har Har Mahadev". Another kanwar that turned heads was a Kedarnath shrine-themed creation by Kshetrapal Bhati and Sanjay Singh from Faridabad. Designed to honour the victims of the 2013 Kedarnath valley flash floods, the Kanwar recreated the holy shrine and symbolised both remembrance and prayer. "We chose Kedarnath to remember those who lost their lives. We hope to create similar tributes to other Jyotirlingas in the coming years," they said, without disclosing the cost of their creation. The Chamkadar Tapu area near Har-ki-Pauri has emerged as the epicentre of Kanwar production, with dozens of artisans setting up makeshift workshops to meet last-minute demands. Popular designs this year include chariot-shaped, butterfly-inspired, and covered Kanwars, with prices ranging from Rs.10,000 to Rs.60,000....