"Kanwarias" : Colourful and volatile Pilgrims

It is the time of the year when devotees of Lord Shiva from all over the country pick up their colourfully decorated Kawadis and head for the holy Ganga river on foot.

For some the journey lasts many weeks and over many kilometers.

Many undertake the journey barefoot.

Villages enroute offer food, shelter and medical facilities.

They generally travel in groups and are known for their volatile behaviour.

National and state highways are closed for days, and traffic diverted to district and village roads to ensure that their pilgrimage is not disrupted.