"Kanwarias are so called because they carry a kanwar or pole on their shoulder with the covered water pots balanced on its two ends. Lakhs of saffron-clad pilgrims carrying water collected from the Ganga in Haridwar, Gangotri or Gaumukh (the glacier from where the Ganga originates) in Uttaranchal, return to their hometowns to consecrate the lingams as a gesture of thanksgiving to Siva. Kanwarias chants of bol bam and Har Har Mahadev are heard at this time. Kanwarias take holy dip in the ganges.
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