With Kanwad Mela in its last phase and three days left for the Shrawan Shivratri, the fair has reached its crescendo. The number of Kanwadias has not only swelled up in recent years but the entire fair has undergone a transformation.
Dak Kanwads have also started though the major rush would be witnessed on Saturday and Sunday.
While many prefer patriotic themes in their tableaus, others have sculptures of Shiva, Shivalinga mounted on tractors and trolleys. Life size statues of lord Shiva with open arms and looking upwards are common among the Kanwads.
Driven by the patriotic wave the Kanwadias coming to Haridwar have mounted Indian flags on their carts carrying Ganga water.
This year, over 300 feet long Kanwad with colours of the Indian flag mounted over wheels was the major attraction. They claimed to have spent Rs 2.4 lakh on making of Kanwad.
The Kanwadias decorate their pitchers, carts and vehicles in myriad ways and cover miles to reach their destinations.
Many come and discard their old Kanwad once their wish is fulfilled and take a new Kanwad filling it with Ganga water to be offered on Shivalingas at their native places. Speaking to this correspondent, one of the Kanwadias from Ramnagar, Bhola said, “We are Indians and no one should have any hesitation in hailing the glory of Bharat Mata. I feel proud to be part of this Indian culture.
Throughout the year, religious festivals are marked and Shivratri is one such big festival which is celebrated twice in the year–one in Shrawan month of July and in Phalgun month of February.
To express my heartfelt gratitude to the nation I am carrying Indian flag on the Kanwad.”