Siva Pilgrims Undertake an Arduous Trek to Fulfill Their Vows

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NEW DELHI, INDIA, July 14, 2004: Once again the Kawarias, or pilgrims carrying Kawaris (decorated palanquin-like arches), started their long and arduous annual trek from Gangotri, the source of the river Ganges, back to their home. The article says, “Each pilgrim will offer the water from the Ganges carried in their Kawaris to Siva Lingas, the icon of Lord Siva, on July 15, an auspicious day.” With brass on their ankles and dressed in saffron attire, these Hindu devotees observe celibacy and consume only vegetarian food while completing the pilgrimage. They walk in silence about 35 km every day to complete their vow or in search of salvation. Kuldeep, an 18 year-old pilgrim says, “We are not allowed to place the Kawari on the ground during the journey. The tinkle from the anklets makes our hearts light, and we forget the pain, pointing to his feet covered with bleeding ulcers.” A young doctor, Pankaj Prasad, at a camp where the Kawarias stop to receive medical treatment says, “It is really a tough task to walk hundreds of kilometers. I can’t imagine myself doing it. They all come in with badly hurt feet, blisters, muscle cramps, fever and even respiratory tract infections. We provide medicines and advice, but they insist on completing the journey.” A woman on the pilgrimage says, ” God fulfilled all my demands. I had vowed to offer Him the holy water.”