The month of Shravan is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sacred Kanwar Yatra, dedicated to Lord Shiva, commences ritually on the *Pratipada Tithi* (first day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) of the Shravan month. In the year 2026, the Kanwar Yatra began on July 30. The pilgrimage city of Haridwar is considered the main gateway to *Devbhoomi* (the Land of Gods); it is home to the holy stream of the Ganges as well as numerous revered temples, including the abode of Lord Shiva's in-laws.

The water of the Ganges from Haridwar holds immense significance. According to mythological beliefs, performing *Abhishek* (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva with Ganges water collected from Haridwar yields eternal spiritual merit; consequently, millions of Shiva devotees travel from Haridwar carrying this water while chanting "Bol-Bam, Bam-Bam."

**Prohibition on Placing the Kanwar on the Ground**
According to religious texts and scriptural guidelines, the Kanwar Yatra is an arduous spiritual discipline. The scriptures outline several rules to ensure the continuity of the journey once the Kanwar has been filled with Ganges water. Elaborating on this, renowned astrologer Pandit Prateek Mishrapuri explains that during the journey, the Kanwar must always be placed on a raised mound, a sturdy tree branch, or a specially constructed wooden stand.

Placing the Kanwar on the ground during the journey is strictly prohibited. Religious texts emphasize the necessity of maintaining purity of mind, *Sattvic* (virtuous) qualities, and *Brahmacharya* (celibacy) throughout the pilgrimage. Touching the Kanwar at the start of the day without first bathing renders the journey fruitless. Consumption of any intoxicants—such as *bidis*, cigarettes, *gutka*, *paan masala*, or tobacco—is completely forbidden during the Kanwar Yatra.

**Prohibition on Passing Under a Gular Tree**
Astrologer Prateek Mishrapuri notes the importance of ensuring there are no obstacles along the path of the Kanwar Yatra. During the journey, touching a woman, harboring impure thoughts, or looking at a woman with lustful intent is strictly prohibited. To ensure the Kanwar Yatra proceeds without hindrance, the scriptures advise against passing through certain specific locations. If a Gular (cluster fig) tree is encountered along the route, passing beneath it renders the spiritual merit of the pilgrimage void; the fruit of the Gular tree contains microorganisms that are believed to disrupt the sanctity of the journey. However, if a Kanwariya inadvertently passes under a Gular tree, the remedy is quite simple: one should take a step back, meditate upon Lord Bhole Nath, and resume the journey while chanting ‘Om Namah Shivay’ to nullify the adverse effect.

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