Kanwar Yatra 2026: 90 kanwar camps to serve kanwarias

Every year, when the month of Sawan begins, something special happens on roads across India. Groups of pilgrims called kanwarias walk long distances. They wear saffron clothes and carry their kanwars—decorated poles with holy water—on their shoulders. This journey—the Kanwar Yatra—isn’t easy. Kanwarias walk through heat and rain, day after day. But they keep going because of their deep faith and devotion.

For over a decade, Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra (VMRK) has supported kanwarias on this journey through kanwar camps set up along their route. This year, VMRK has grown its support by organizing 90 kanwar camps across 10 states and 2 union territories. The camps run during different weeks, starting from July 29 to September 7. Each camp follows the safety and hygiene rules set by local, state, and central authorities. Fire extinguishers and CCTV cameras are installed at the camps for added security.

Inside the camps

A dedicated team of VMRK volunteers runs each camp, working around the clock. At nearly every location, they offer free medical care, food, and resting facilities to every kanwaria who arrives.

The pilgrimage is physically demanding, so a large number of kanwarias need medical help along the way. VMRK’s medical teams are offering free consultations, first aid, and medicines. At some camps, volunteers are also providing foot massages to help relieve pain and tiredness from long hours of walking.

During the yatra, pilgrims follow different kanwar traditions, each with its own discipline and way of honoring the journey. Kanwarias carrying a khadi kanwar cannot put it down or hang it up, so VMRK volunteers hold it while they get medical care. Pilgrims carrying a daak kanwar must keep walking without stopping, which makes timely support even more important. VMRK’s medical volunteers walk beside them and spray pain relief on their injuries while they keep walking.

At camps, VMRK is serving fresh, hot vegetarian meals. This includes seasonal vegetables, dal, rice, and chapati. For kanwarias who are fasting or prefer lighter meals, VMRK is offering fruits, light refreshments, lemonade, and tea. Kanwarias appreciate the peaceful, calm ambiance and separate resting areas for men and women.