Guwahati, Aug. 4 -- The Kanwar Yatra is a major annual pilgrimage undertaken by millions of devotees of lord Shiva during the Hindu month of Shravan known as the Kanwariyas. These Pilgrims carry holy water from the Ganga River in specially designed pots hung on a bamboo pole called Kanwar, balanced on their shoulders. They walk often barefoot over long distances to offer this water to Lord Shiva at famous temples like Baidyanath Dham, Kashi Vishwanath or Neelkanth Mahadev.

Kanwariyas are easily recognized by their saffron coloured clothes, devotional chants like "Bol Bam", and their strict observations of spiritual discipline. They avoid alcohol, non-veg food, tobacco, and even wearing leather items. Many also take vows of celibacy and m...