Elixir of God, For God, By God

The Kanwar Yatra transforms roads across northern India into rivers of devotion each monsoon. This is not an exploration of mythology, but an observation of the people, emotions and experiences encountered while travelling alongside one of the world’s largest annual pilgrimages.

A Journey Begins

Come July and millions of people are reminded of the Indian National Calendar based on the Saka Era.

If only they had known who authorized the Calendar Committee in 1953, many WhatsApp universities would burn.

This is not about the mythology behind the pilgrimage.

It is a snapshot of what a traveller experiences when travelling along the same path.

Albeit in a car.

Many Travellers, Many Journeys

The exhibitionist traveller finds a young Kanwar bearer showing off his weight-carrying capacity to urchins.

The unassuming traveller walks silently.

Masked and incognito.

The patriotic traveller meets the nationalistic pilgrim.

Is it religion?

Or nationalism?

Or a mash-up of both?

Thus writes Vikash Singh, a sociologist, in his work on pilgrimage.

Walking Together

For the family on a journey, it is about walking together.

Waiting.

Keeping pace with those who fall behind.

The Road Has Music

The boisterous traveller would love a band to play along.

Pumping up the jam.

Seeking Direction

Some travellers appear confused about their destination.

Isn’t it Shib?

Or is it Honuman?

Or are they the same?

The Journey Continues

The weary traveller rests wherever hope offers a patch of shade.

The finicky traveller worries about maps and road closures.

But the true traveller merges with the flow.

And simply streams along.

Together or Alone

In a caravan.

Or alone.

Whatever flock the traveller chooses, there are moments when he longs to travel without baggage.

Keeping it aside.

The Elixir

All that the traveller hopes for…

Is the elixir of life.

What do you, the reader, aspire for in your own journey?