The Kanwar Mela having started, Kanwariyas, bells tinkling from their feet, are being seen treading along Kanwar Patri Marg (canal route) in increasing numbers. They are carrying multi-hued, lacy, stylish, fluorescent Kanwars, moulded on different designs, on their shoulders. Even during the night hours they are being found streaming along to collect Gangajal (holy water). However, till now, the number of those coming from the neighbouring States is not much.
While they lift the heavy steel matkas (pots) filled with holy water in their Kanwars they treat them as something deified. Since then they never put them down on the ground during the rest of their pilgrimage. If anyone touches their Kanwars even by mistake they are offended. They say that they alone are the custodians of their respective Kanwars. To help them rest, bamboo platforms are built along the way.
Speaking to The Pioneer, SSP Rajeev Swaroop said, “In the past three days, over 25 lakh Kanwariyas have visited the holy city and taken water from Har Ki Pauri. The number is expected to increase each passing day.”
While many are carrying Kanwar pots on bamboo hangings slung from their shoulders, many take to the cart Kanwars. Elaborate designs mark these cart Kanwars mostly with the pictures of lord Shiva pasted on them. Others are adorned with Shivalingas or the holy symbols of Om and Swastika.
Notably, most of the Kanwariyas carry the decorative materials like lacy frills from their home towns and assemble them in Haridwar by way of completing the decoration of their Kanwars.