Children take out Bal Kanwar yatra in Ranchi on eve of third Somvari

Time of India

13 hours ago

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Ranchi: The spiritual fervour at Pahari Mandir reached a divine crescendo on Sunday morning as chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bol Bam" echoed across the streets, led not by adults but by the youngest devotees of Lord Shiva.
The occasion was Bal Kanwar Yatra, a vibrant procession of saffron-clad children carrying kanwars filled with holy water from Nakshatra Van to the revered Pahari Baba Mandir. Over 150 kids participated in the yatra.
The yatra commenced with the ceremonial aarti of child actors dressed as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, seated on a decorative chariot that led the procession. Behind them, hundreds of boys and girls dressed in traditional saffron attire walked barefoot, chanting in unison, their kanwars swinging rhythmically.
The route passed through Ratu Road Chowk and Durga Mandir before culminating at the Pahari Mandir, where the children performed jalabhishek of Mahadev with utmost devotion.
Adding to the spiritual and cultural experience, children were given items such as raincoats, fruit, snacks, and pencil boxes as a gesture of encouragement. Many parents accompanied their children, creating a family-oriented spiritual atmosphere.
"Such events help inculcate discipline, respect, and spiritual grounding in children. When values are nurtured early, they reflect in the way children grow into responsible citizens. I'm heartened to see such enthusiasm among young devotees," said Ranchi MLA C.P. Singh, who joined the yatra at Pahari Mandir.
Badal Singh, spokesperson of the organising committee, added, "The Bal Kanwar Yatra began in 2022, and each year we're witnessing greater enthusiasm. This time, children from not just Ranchi, but also from Palamu, Hazaribagh, and Dumka participated."