Kanwariyas throng river ghats in Odisha; devotees to offer holy water to Lord Shiva on first Shravan Somvar

Lakhs of Kanwariyas  (Bolbom devotees) on Sunday thronged various ghats to collect water from different rivers. The devotees will offer the water to Lord Shiva in different shrines across Odisha on the first Monday of the holy Shravan month.

As there will be two Shravan months this year, the Kanwariyas will get an opportunity to offer holy water to Lord Shiva for two months.

Lakhs of Kanwariyas  collecting holy water from different rivers and moving on the roads by holding the Bahungis (slings each with two water-full pots hanging on both sides) with the chanting of ‘Bol Bom, Hare Hare Bom’ is creating a devotional atmosphere across the State.

“It’s an auspicious day for us. It’s the day of joy and determination. We are collecting holy water from Baruni ghat and we will be on our way towards Kapilash temple. We will offer the holy water to Lord Shiva there. We have started our journey with a lot of joy, enthusiasm and dedication,” said a devotee from Athagarh.

“We are excited a lot as there will be double Shravan this year. May Lord Shiva bless everybody to live a happy and prosperous life. Let there be good rain and good harvest this year,” prayed another devotee.

Offering special prayers with pouring of holy water on Lord Shiva during Shravan month is called Kawad yatra. As part of devotion towards Lord Shiva, the Kanwariyas walk long distances on foot by chanting  Lord Shiva's name and follow various rituals at holy river beds- worship Lord Shiva by making a sand Shiva lingam and carry water from the river wearing saffron clothes. They observe the month without shaving and taking only Satwik food (complete vegetarian food without onion and garlic).