Udaipur Resonates with Devotion: Grand 20th Kanwar Yatra Concludes

Udaipur, With prayers for peace, prosperity, and good rainfall across the nation, the 20th Kanwar Yatra, organized by the Shiv Mahotsav Samiti, was held in Udaipur with great fervor and spiritual enthusiasm. What began in 2006 with just 51 volunteers has now evolved into a massive pilgrimage, with thousands of devotees participating. This year’s Kanwar Yatra commenced at 8:30 AM from the sacred Gangodbhav Kund, considered one of the four origins of the Ganga, and culminated at Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple after a 21-kilometer journey on foot.

Unprecedented Devotee Participation, Women Take the Lead

More than 13,000 devotees, including a large number of women, participated in this year’s Kanwar Yatra. Women in traditional attire and men in white garments chanted praises of Lord Shiva as they walked together. A special group, the Shobhapura Mitra Mandal, carried a 51 kg Kanwar, passing it relay-style throughout the journey. Due to the overwhelming turnout, the 11,000 Kanwars prepared by the organizers fell short, and many devotees had to carry Ganga water in plastic bags. Arrangements for small pots (lotes) were made at the temple for those arriving late.

Sacred Jalabhishek and Maha Rudrabhishek Performed by 21 Priests

At Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple, a grand Maha Rudrabhishek was conducted under the guidance of Pandit Om Prakash Sharma, joined by 21 learned priests. Devotees performed rituals with holy water collected from seven sacred rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Bhagirathi, Mandakini, Kailash Mansarovar, and Mana Border. Prominent citizens, including social worker Vardichand Chaudhary, took part in the sacred ceremony.

Flower Showers, Community Participation, and Massive Bhandara

Throughout the route, enthusiastic greetings and flower showers welcomed the Kanwariyas. Social and religious organizations arranged water, snacks, fruit, kulfi, and sherbet for the pilgrims. Over 25,000 devotees were served food in the bhandara organized at Ubeshwar Mahadev. Devotees worshipped the large copper urn carrying holy river water, which was placed on a jeep at the front of the yatra.

Tight Security and Full Police Arrangements Ensured a Safe Yatra

To prevent any mishaps, a tight security net was set in place. The yatra was led by police vehicles, followed by female officers on motorbikes and foot patrols on both ends. Traffic was controlled throughout the route to manage heavy crowds.

Dignitaries Flag Off Yatra with Rituals

The yatra was flagged off with Vedic rituals by religious leaders Mahant Indradev Das, Narayan Das, Dr. Anand Paliwal, Zila Pramukh Mamta Kunwar, Congress District President Fateh Singh Rathore, Former President Ravindra Shrimali, and other public figures including Dr. Alka Mundra, Chandrabhan Singh, Dr. Om Sahu, Adv. Manish Sharma, and Yagya Narayan Sharma, President of the organizing committee.

Devotional Evening and Honoring of Volunteers

A Bhajan Sandhya was organized by Ubeshwar Satsang Mandal featuring devotional songs and divine tableaux of Goddess Durga. Volunteers who played vital roles in the week-long event were felicitated with shawls and mementos by Mandal President Devi Singh Sisodia.

Route and Highlights

Spokesperson Krishnakant Kumawat informed that Kanwariyas began arriving at Gangodbhav Kund from 6:00 AM, where tea and breakfast were arranged by Mahesh Bhavsar and his team. The route included Ayad, Ashok Nagar, Shakti Nagar, Delhi Gate, Mandi ki Naal, Ghanta Ghar, Jagdish Chowk, Brahmpol, Dudhiyawala Ganeshji, Rampura, Gorella, and Morwania, finally reaching Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple. The first devotee to perform Jalabhishek was Naresh Gameti from Gorella at 10:45 AM, with devotees continuing to arrive till 4:00 PM.

Organizations That Offered Support and Services:

Various groups contributed to the event's success, including Ayad Hindu Sangathan, VHP, Bajrang Sena Mewar, Sindhi Samaj, Shri Ram Bajrang Sena, Shree Krishna Dairy, BJP (Urban and Rural), Valmiki Samaj, Brahmpol Vyapar Mandal, Vipra Foundation, Kamal Tent House, Devnarayan Caterers, and many others. They provided water, fruits, sweets, ice cream, juices, and refreshments to the devotees along the route. Ambulances and private buses were also arranged for support.

Echoes of "Har Har Mahadev" in the Hills

Committee President Yagya Narayan Sharma remarked that the hills and valleys of Udaipur echoed with the chants of "Har Har Mahadev," as devotees of all ages walked with immense devotion and joy.

This Kanwar Yatra was not just a procession — it was a grand confluence of faith, community, and cultural unity, turning the city of lakes into a land of devotion and divine fervor.