Kanwar Yatra 2023: serving amid nature’s fury

The floods hampered the setting up of some camps. However, VMRK volunteers did not give up and persevered. Sure enough, the camps were able to start after a delay of a day or two. At one location, the designated campsite could not be used. Instead, VMRK arranged for one of its ambulances to be positioned 20 kilometers from the camp. There, they set up a makeshift booth on the side of the highway and offered medical services and fruits to the pilgrims.

Fully serviced safe and clean resting places

Every camp was set up in accordance with the safety measures and hygiene guidelines issued by the local, state and central authorities. Additional services were arranged for the care and comfort of the pilgrims. Read the details in our blog posts Organizing the kanwar camps 2022 and Serving kanwarias at kanwar camps 2022.

Kanwarias who came to the VMRK kanwar camps appreciated the safe and clean resting places, free medical care, free food, and other supplementary services. The separate male and female accommodation and washrooms gave the pilgrims a comfortable stay. The camps were peaceful and serene through observance of silence, while alcohol and smoking were strictly prohibited.

Healthcare professionals at each camp offered medical care including treatment for blisters, cuts and wounds. Some VMRK camps also offered foot massage service to the pilgrims. This was a welcome relief for the pilgrims’ tired feet.

VMRK offered freshly prepared wholesome vegetarian food, fruits and milk to the pilgrims. VMRK volunteers prepared the food with utmost love and devotion. Due to the hot summer season, some kanwarias preferred to walk at night. Accordingly, freshly cooked food was available round the clock so the pilgrims were fed no matter what time they arrived at a camp.

Hygiene, security, and other supportive services

Each camp maintained a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene, and ensured adequate water facilities for the pilgrims. In places where water was scarce, water tankers transported more water to the camps. A dedicated team of sanitation volunteers ensured that the camp premises and toilets were kept clean and hygienic at all times. Security volunteers were on duty round the clock to ensure the safety of the kanwar camps as well as the belongings of the kanwarias who took rest. VMRK volunteers also mended pilgrims’ clothes that were torn at the armpits because the kanwarias were holding their kanwar for such a long time.

While these services were done with utmost devotion, sometimes VMRK volunteers took this service to another level by serving the kanwarias who carry the specific types of kanwar known as daak kanwar and khadi kanwar. The kanwarias carrying daak kanwar must walk continuously so VMRK volunteers walked alongside these pilgrims to offer them fruits and water as they continued walking. The kanwarias carrying khadi kanwar cannot place their kanwar on the ground or hang them, so VMRK volunteers held their kanwar on their shoulders while the kanwarias took rest.

VMRK organized 53 kanwar camps on different weeks in a total of seven states in north, central, east, and west India and one union territory of India. VMRK served the pilgrims with the help of thousands of volunteers from VMRK centers across India who worked tirelessly. After experiencing the good facilities provided in the camps, the pilgrims left very happy and satisfied and asked VMRK to set up more camps next year. Authorities who inspected the VMRK kanwar camps were pleased with the level of service.