Stokoe Westbergs in India: Kanwar Yatra

On our way back from Delhi one day two weeks ago, we saw some people dressed all in orange carrying ... something, don't really know how to describe it ... Most of these constructions are very beautiful and probably weigh a bit ... they walk a very long way depending on where they want to end up.

Take a look here for some awesome pictures

From Wikipedia:

"The Kānvar Yatrā or Kavad Yatra is annual pilgrimage of devotees of Shiva, known as Kānvarias, to Hindu pilgrimage places of Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand to fetch holy waters of Ganges River, Ganga Jal, which is later offered at their local Shiva temples. The Yatra takes place during the sacred month of Shravan (Saawan) (July -August), according to the Hindu calendar.

History:
Kanwar yatra is related to the churning of the ocean of milk in the Hindu Puranas. When the poison came out before Amrita and the world started burning from its heat then lord Shiva accepted to inhale poison. But, after inhaling it he started suffering from negative energy of poison. In Treta Yuga Lord Shiva's devout follower Ravana did meditation. He brought holy water of Ganga by using kanwar and poured it on Lord Shivas temple in Puramahadev. Thus releasing Lord Shiva from the negative energy of the poison.

After taking water from the Ganges river (or other nearby river that wind up in the Ganges) the pilgrims, known as kanwariya or Shiv Bhaktas (disciples of Shiva), are mandated to travel barefooted and in saffron robes with their Kanwar (walking sticks used to hang the urns of water) for 105 km by various routes and usually in groups made of family, friends and or neighbors, and return to their own local or other more prestigious and larger Shiva Temples to pour Gangajal on Lord Shiva (Shiv Linga). On the march pilgrims continuously sprinkle any and all talk with "Bol Bam" (speak the name of Bam) and sing Bhajans (hymns) to praise his name."

Numerous Hindu non-secular organizations and alternative voluntary organizations set up camps on the National main road throughout the Kanwar Yatra. The Kanwarias are provided with food, shelter and safe place to keep the Ganga water. The Kanwar is not allowed to touch the ground. (Source)

Some of my own pictures - taken with my mobile from the car, so not very good. However, you can see how the road has been cordoned off to protect them from traffic.