Theme-based artistic Kanwars dazzle yatra route in Haridwar

From intricately designed miniature temples to kanwars lit with LED lights and embedded with rotating models, the ongoing Kanwar Yatra is witnessing dazzling transformation of devotion into a moving spectacle of art, themes, and social consciousness.

- Sandeep Rawat

While the traditional bamboo Kanwars continue to hold sentimental and spiritual value among devotees, a significant number of kanwariyas, especially younger ones and groups from cities, are turning to custom-designed Kanwars, often crafted by professional artists and welders from across the country.

These modern Kanwars incorporate LED lighting systems, sound setups, rotating deity models, fibre frames, and social messages, thus transforming the sacred procession into a rolling tableau of contemporary devotion.

“This isn't just about style; it’s about making a statement, both religious and social,” said Vineet Saxena, a Kanwar maker from Meerut, adding, “We have brought artisans from Bengal and local sculptors from Jwalapur to meet the soaring demand for decorative Kanwars.”