Now Reading: Giant Hanuman idol, 128-litre water Kanwar wow Sawan devotees
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Giant Hanuman idol, 128-litre water Kanwar wow Sawan devotees
A Kanwar yatra in Uttar Pradesh featuring a giant illuminated idol of Lord Hanuman has gone viral on social media. The video shows devotees carrying the idol at night, surrounded by colourful…
The Story in Brief
A Kanwar yatra in Uttar Pradesh featuring a giant illuminated idol of Lord Hanuman has gone viral on social media. The video shows devotees carrying the idol at night, surrounded by colourful lights and saffron flags. Onlookers stopped to record the sight, and online comments filled with chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Har Har Mahadev'. The display has been described as one of the most striking of the Sawan season.
In Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, a group of 15 youths from Baripada is walking 35 km to Simeswar Peetha carrying 128 litres of water in five pots on a bamboo pole called a 'bahungi'. They take turns bearing the load and pray for world peace. The group has followed this practice for three years. Odisha TV reports that devotees and locals have praised their determination. Both processions highlight the creativity and devotion that mark the Kanwar yatra.
The Indian Opinion
Critics may call these displays ostentatious, but devotees see them as offerings of skill and collective effort. The Hanuman idol draws awe online; the 128-litre load is a physical statement of faith. Both are genuine expressions, yet they raise a pointed question: does the spectacle strengthen the pilgrim's inner journey or turn the yatra into a performance? The Odisha group has repeated this for three years. The real test is whether more groups follow their path or stick to the simple kanwar.
Sources (2): news.abplive.com, odishatv.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
