Kanwar Yatra UP Buses: Every year, lakhs of devotees of Lord Shiva (Bholenath) eagerly await the Kanwar Yatra. Only a few days remain before the holy month of *Sawan* begins. It is believed that the month of Sawan is very dear to Lord Shiva. It is said that he always blesses devotees who worship Lord Shiva with a sincere heart during this month. With the commencement of the Kanwar Yatra, chants of “Bol Bam” and “Har-Har Mahadev” begin to resonate everywhere.

Carrying the *Kanwar* on their shoulders, devotees collect holy water from the Ganges and travel to Shiva temples in their towns or villages to perform *Jalabhishek* (ritual bathing of the deity with water). Let us find out when the Kanwar Yatra begins and ends this year, and what preparations the government is making for it.

When does the month of Sawan begin?

The holy month of *Sawan* is set to begin on July 30, marking the start of the Kanwar Yatra as well. In view of this, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has decided to operate additional buses. Every year, lakhs of devotees collect water from the Ganges at various locations to perform rituals at Shiva temples. Bus ridership increases significantly during this period. Anticipating this, UPSRTC has decided to run more buses between major cities based on demand to ensure devotees face no inconvenience during the Kanwar Yatra. A decision has also been made to set up a 24-hour control room. These control rooms will be established at every regional office to monitor bus operations.

Start of Kanwar Yatra – July 30, 2026 (Thursday)

Conclusion of Kanwar Yatra (Sawan Shivratri) – August 11, 2026 (Tuesday)
*Jalabhishek* of Mahadev – August 11, 2026

Buses on Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj routes

Extensive preparations have been made across the state to ensure a safe Kanwar Yatra during the month of *Shravan*, which begins on July 30. An official statement issued on Sunday announced that, in view of the massive influx of Kanwariyas heading to Haridwar, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation will operate additional buses. Furthermore, extra buses will run on key routes connecting cities such as Lucknow, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj.

The Transport Minister has instructed officials and staff to treat Kanwar pilgrims with courtesy. Buses will operate only along alternative (diverted) routes designated by the district administration to ensure there is no disruption to the Kanwar Yatra.

When will the Jalabhishek take place, and when is Sawan Shivratri?

The Kanwar Yatra will conclude on August 11, 2026; Sawan Shivratri will also be observed on this day. Upon completing their journey, the Kanwariyas will offer holy water from the Ganges to Lord Shiva. It is believed that performing *Jalabhishek* (ritual offering of water) on Sawan Shivratri greatly pleases Lord Shiva, leading Him to fulfill the devotees’ wishes.

What is a Kanwar, and how does the journey begin?

A *Kanwar* is essentially a special structure made of bamboo or wood. Devotees decorate it beautifully with colorful flags, flowers, *ghungroos* (small bells), larger bells, and various religious symbols. Pots filled with water from holy rivers (primarily the Ganges) are tied to both ends. Carrying this *Kanwar* on their shoulders and walking barefoot, devotees proceed towards their destination while chanting slogans like “Bam-Bam Bhole” and “Har-Har Mahadev.”