Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage in India observed during Sawan month

During the Hindu month of Sawan, millions of devotees in India undertake the Kanwar Yatra, a pilgrimage in which they carry sacred water from the Ganga River to pour over Shiva lingams in local shrines. Mythological accounts link the timing to the Samudra Manthan, when Shiva drank poison and was soothed by water offered by the gods, making the Sawan month especially auspicious for the ritual.

Guidelines for participants state that if a Kanwar breaks, the pilgrim should pause, seek forgiveness from Shiva and the river goddess Ganga, and replace the impure water with fresh, sanctified Ganga water. A damaged Kanwar should be repaired or replaced, then purified with water, incense, and the chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya" before continuing the journey.