1,000-kg golden Shiva kanwar steals the show at Haridwar Kanwar Yatra

A dazzling golden Shiva kanwar" weighing between 800 and 1,000 kg has become the talk of this year’s Kanwar Yatra in Haridwar, drawing crowds of devotees along the pilgrimage route. According to a TOI report, the massive structure, mounted on wheels and carrying 40 litres of sacred Gangajal, was crafted in Sonipat and is being transported by a group of Kanwariyas from Gurugram.

#WATCH | Haridwar, Uttarakhand: In a unique display of spirituality, Kanwad Yatris from Gurugram carry approx 800-1,000 kg Golden Shiva Kanwad on wheels.

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A Kanwariya, Sonu Rana, says "This is a unique Kanwad. This was made in Sonipat. It weighs around 800-1000 kgs carrying… pic.twitter.com/qlrWPUQAI2 — ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2025

The annual Kanwar Yatra, which began on July 10, sees devotees collect holy water from rivers like the Ganga and carry it back to Lord Shiva temples across northern India. Many undertake the journey on foot, fasting and performing rituals along the way.

Sonu Rana, one of the kanwariyas accompanying the golden kanwar, was quoted by TOI as saying: "This is a unique kanwar, made in Sonipat, weighing around 800-1,000 kgs and holding about 40 litres of Gangajal. People are appreciating its grandeur. We will cover nearly 250 kilometres with it, showcasing our devotion to Lord Shiva."

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government has launched "Operation Kalanemi”, a drive to identify and take action against individuals impersonating saints and exploiting devotees. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami warned that those "hurting faith and belief" under the guise of religion would face strict consequences.

"Those who are deceiving people here, hiding their identity, hurting faith and belief, harming Sanatan, such people will be identified, a campaign will be run against such people and those who are hurting religion and faith by hiding their reality will be caught, action will be taken against them," Dhami said, as reported by TOI.

The CM likened these imposters to the mythical demon Kalanemi, who disguised himself as a sage to mislead devotees. He expressed concern over rising cases of fraud, particularly targeting women and emphasised that such acts tarnish Uttarakhand’s reputation as "Devbhoomi" (Land of the Gods).