Kanwad.....a religious frenzy?

Religious tolerance is a great characteristic to flaunt. It sketches image of a society free of endemic mindset. Open accommodative and tolerant. I came across a Religious phenomenon called “Kanwad”, which turned out to be an eye opener.

I mistook so many rights and liberties for granted, which our society has relinquished for some time I am told. Probably I need to adjust my expectations.

Kanwad is a Religious rage in North India, in the Hindu religious sect. It triggers a diaspora of believers to the Holy Ganges. Holy water from the Ganges is picked in “Kanwad” or a miniature cauldron, and ushered to local Shiv temples back home.

There is one stringent principle that governs this pious and holy act…….thou shan’t put the “Kanwad” once filled with holy water to ground. It has to be carried on foot to the destination. The entire pious act is beset in sweltering heat and humidity, and within a stipulated window of time.

The route to Ganges is but a few and one is faced with perennial traffic that runs into kilometers after kilometers of traffic congestion, when crossing cities that fall in between the devotee and his destination. Naturally it is very inconvenient for those who embark upon this test of physical endurance. If only there was this corridor dedicated to such religious cause, alongside our city roads. Conspicuous arrangements are in place to allow this human overture to occur in harmony with busy city life, in the big city – Delhi. But travel further north and we witness a striking change! Cities which one must tread to reach Ganges and that do not have broad roads and decent sidewalks, are a nightmare. This time though, for the society at large.

I happened to venture out unaware of the monstrous proportion this religious trip has assumed in MODERN India, and was left aghast at what I saw. This city was held hostage by Kanwadis - those who perform Kanwad, running nothing short of riot. Should your car fall in line of sight of the barefoot jogger running with the Kanwad, or the two trucks of enthusiasts following him, it shall be ravaged. Police force deployed on the roadside housed in merciful shades provided by jutting porches from balustrades of the shops lined roadside, appeared happy spectators.

One ill-fated car, I saw, received a pounding on the bonnet then the rear glass pane, to leave the vehicle deformed and the owner scarred and scared. One auto rickshaw driver attempting to extend his daily run for livelihood at this religious hour was authoritatively slapped across the face by another enthusiast, as he too was in the line of the bandwagon. It was total abdication of law and order by an obdurate few.

Frustrated with the ugly turn of events, I looked around to observe the reaction of people on road. I found no contempt or anger over what just happened. It takes much more than a few slaps and car wrecks to arouse us, to take a stand for what is right, maybe!

I was informed later that night by my brother in law, who was accompanying me earlier that afternoon when it all happened, that the overriding sentiment was in favour of the Kanwads. Zeitgeist suggested that since the Kanwads were confronted with so many hurdles and impediments in their brave sojourn, those in the comfort of their cars and homes need to accommodate in every possible way. Even compromise a few rights as citizens of this great democracy.  

I mean no disrespect to any religion, and I believe Religion is a very personal asset. More importantly, no religion teaches intolerance, domination or violence. Religion is simply stated, the route to God, the definition of which is beyond words.