Artistic, colourful kanwars in big demand

Sandeep Rawat

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 15

Kanwars made of bamboo have given way to decorative and innovative kanwars, on which Ganga jal is ferried for anointing to Shivalings at Shiva temples.

Kanwar makers, local historians and Kanwariyas believe at the turn of the century, the bamboo-based kanwars were replaced by bright and colourful ones. Decorative items, accessories, lighting and theme-based kanwars add to the aura of the kanwar pilgrimage in Haridwar.

Some Lord Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) buy decorative kanwars from markets, while many give their own artistic touch to them.

LED-illuminated kanwars are visible in large numbers. Thermocol is being preferred to the traditional wooden pieces, as it’s much easier to give varied shapes to the kanwars then.

From post office-Upper Bazaar road towards Har-ki-Pauri till Pantdeep Market, beautiful decorative kanwars can be spotted, with decorative items being sold for those who want to give their own special touch to these kanwars.

Artisans say kanwars are available for Rs 100 to Rs 2,000. If one wants to add more items and material, the cost could go up to tens of thousands or even lakhs.

Near core mela zone of Har-ki-Pauri, Pantdeep, Rodibelwala, Laljiwala and the Deendayal Upadhyay parking lot area, one can see Kanwariyas busy in decorating their kanwars.

Plastic of Paris-based statues of various deities are much in demand. These deities include Lord Shiva, Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. A majestic replica kanwar of the Badrinath shrine in Garhwal Himalayas, made by youths from Kashipur, was the cynosure of all eyes. People were seen paying obeisance at the Badrinath shrine replica kanwar and asking Kanwariyas about it.

Kanwars are mainly made by artisans based in suburban Jwalapur. Across the city, intersections and paths through which the Kanwariyas pass are thronged by locals, pilgrims and tourists to have a glimpse of these kaleidoscopic kanwars.

The Kanwariyas chanting ‘Bum Bum Bholey’, ‘Jai Bholey Ki’ and ’Har Har Mahadev’ in praise of Lord Shiva alongside the Ganga adds to the religious and spiritual environment.

Ravi Kumar, an artisan, said now, a majority of Kanwariyas want unique, and different kanwars. Those coming in groups demand illuminated kanwars, while others opt for those based on temples such as the Ayodhya temple. Pandit Kamla Prasad Nautiyal said it’s devotion which matters the most. Decorative kanwars add to devotion and religious spirit.