21 July, 2024: Amid the ongoing debate over a controversial directive on Kanwar Yatra routes, Kanwar artisans in Haridwar are emerging as symbols of communal harmony. Each year during the Sawan month, millions of Shiva devotees flock to Haridwar to collect sacred Ganga water, using intricately crafted Kanwars made predominantly by Muslim families.
This craft, which involves extensive preparation, unites the community—from elders to children—in its creation. The initiative has been praised for fostering unity and brotherhood among different religious groups.
The Kanwar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage originating from Kumbhnagari Haridwar, has long represented Hindu-Muslim harmony. Artisans like Istkar, who has been crafting Kanwars since childhood, express a deep sense of joy and fulfillment in their work. “We craft all types of Kanwars and Dolis, and it brings us immense satisfaction to serve Bhole Baba,” he remarked. Abrar, another artisan, highlighted the inclusive spirit of their work, emphasizing the familial bond with the Hindu community, reported the Times of India.
Despite this spirit of unity, the Kanwar Yatra has faced challenges due to a recent directive from the Uttar Pradesh government. The order, which requires eateries along the Kanwar route to display the names of their owners, has sparked controversy and criticism from various socio-political and religious figures. Critics, including AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, argue that the directive promotes divisiveness and undermines communal harmony.
The Muzaffarnagar Police have clarified that the order aims to assist devotees rather than discriminate against any community. Nonetheless, the directive has been likened by some critics to historical instances of targeted discrimination.
Amid these controversies, the Kanwar artisans in Haridwar continue their work, embodying a spirit of unity and communal harmony through their craft. Their dedication stands in stark contrast to the ongoing debates surrounding the Kanwar Yatra and serves as a reminder of the potential for religious harmony through shared cultural practices.
