Are Kanwariyas Really Religious?

Recently, many videos, tweets, and news about the Kanwar Yatra have caught my eye. I was wondering if Kanwariyas have forgotten the real meaning of this Yatra?

Kanwariyas say they do this Yatra for Lord Shiva. But if you stand by the road and watch, you will see a different story.

Once, the Yatra was about:

• Austerity
• Devotion
• Silence and simplicity
• Inner transformation

It was a personal vow. It was for healing. It was to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

But what is it now?

Fast forward to today’s reality:

• Loud DJ music on trucks.
• Dancers (sometimes women hired to perform lewd dances).
• Aggressive behavior and road bullying.
• Intimidating other travellers and breaking traffic rules.
• Taking selfies and showcasing “devotion” on social media.

Don’t believe me? Then see the cover photo above and the photo below.

This raises the valid question:

Is it still Bhakti, or has it become a performance?

Are Kanwariyas really religious?

Today, there are two types of Kanwarias:

• The true devotees: They walk quietly, barefoot. They carry their Kanwars with respect. They avoid unnecessary conversations. They maintain discipline and humility. They don’t crave validation and attention. In the true sense, they know what they are doing.
• The thrill-seekers: Kanwariyas think this Yatra is an adventure. They know very little about Lord Shiva or the meaning of the ritual. They know they are shielded by “politicians” and “religion,” so they exploit it for hooliganism. They are more attracted to the drama than the dharma.

The problem behind chaos on roads is thrill-seekers. They scream on loudspeakers. They block traffic. Some pick fights. Some even smoke weed.

Is this devotion? Or something else?

I’m not judging; I’m asking the real question…

What does it mean to be religious?

Being religious means more than chanting names. It’s not about clothes or rituals. It’s not about how far you walk.

It’s about how you live. It’s about how you treat others. And how deep your connection is with something bigger than yourself.

But why is this happening?

There is a cultural shift in India. And it didn’t happen overnight. It reflects a larger societal pattern:

• Misunderstanding of rituals: I don’t think most Kanwariyas even understand the true meaning of this ritual. They don’t know what the Kanwar represents and what Lord Shiva symbolizes.
• Consumerism: Why are there big loudspeakers in the Kanwar Yatra? Why are there light shows? What are women dancers doing in the procession or pandals? This shows the consumerist mentality has crept into religion. Event-like setups have invaded spaces once reserved for silence and inner reflection.
• Group ego and false power: These Kanwariyas understand that they are safe when they are in a group. A group gives them the illusion of authority. A lone man cannot block a road. But 50 men in saffron can. A lone man will avoid a fight. But when they are in a group, they fight with people and break cars. The ego is more important than faith.
• Social media: These Kanwariyas are not walking for Shiva. They are walking for Instagram. Fame is more important than devotion. Validation is more important than inner transformation. They want to become viral. They want to become important for a few days.
• Government endorsement of chaos: The government knows what Kanwariyas are doing. And they still allow it. Police are told not to stop them. Every year, people complain about the loud music and rudeness, but there is no action. People are abused and beaten on the road.But the government doesn’t do enough to curb such incidents. Why? Votes. Religion + Politics = Easy Power.
• Collective society: We, as a society, have stopped questioning wrong in the name of religion. We simply watch and record such celebrations. Our silence becomes approval. Our apathy becomes protection. When a thousand people normalize the noise, the next thousand copy it. Not because it is right, but because it is accepted. Parents, teachers, temples, and dharma gurus—who is responsible to guide these people?

This is not what Shiva wanted

Lord Shiva never asked for loud music. He never asked for people to throw stones at cars or fight police officers. He taught silence. He showed love to all creatures. He sat in stillness, far away from chaos.

Do you really think he wants to see drunk men dancing to Bollywood songs with a joint in their hand? This is not worship. This is noise.

Now imagine Shiva watching today’s Kanwar Yatra. Would he smile? Or would he turn away?

Kanwariyas must ask themselves this question:

If Shiva himself walked beside them, would they still behave this way?

If the answer is no, then it’s not devotion. It’s drama.

Today, Shiva will silently leave the Yatra.

Not because we stopped calling his name… But because we stopped understanding its meaning.

So, what needs to change

I’m not against the Kanwar Yatra. It’s beautiful in its original form. We need to bring it back to its soul.

• Government and religious institutions must work on teaching people the original meaning. They should use community halls, schools, and temples to explain the purpose of the Kanwar Yatra beyond its ritual form.
• There is a need to regulate the chaos. Enforce law and order, even when it’s religiously uncomfortable.
• Ban DJ’s. Ban dance shows. Ban substance abuse at Yatra points. Make it sacred again.

And Kanwariyas have to understand that the real power is in walking in silence, not in showing off. You should chant with love, not with speakers. You should travel with focus, not intoxication. You should know why you are walking, not just where.

What is the point if you come back the same?

The real Kanwar Yatra is not on the road. It’s inside your heart.