When does the Kanwar Yatra begin in 2026?
Full date calendar, the four Sawan Somwar, and the exact Shivratri muhurat — everything you need before you plan your journey.
Dates shown follow the Purnimanta calendar used across North India (Delhi, UP, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthan, MP, HP).
Calendar Comparison
Kanwar Yatra dates shift depending on which lunar calendar your region follows. Use the table below to find your dates.
| Calendar System | Region(s) | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purnimanta (North India) | Delhi, UP, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, MP, Punjab, HP, Chhattisgarh | 30 July 2026 | 28 August 2026 |
| Amanta (West & South India) | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu | 13 August 2026 | 11 September 2026 |
| Solar Reckoning | Nepal, parts of Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh | 16 July 2026 | mid-August 2026 |
Not sure which one applies to you? The Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage itself is concentrated in North Indian states — if you're planning to walk the yatra, use the Purnimanta dates above.
Why Shravan Matters
Shravan, popularly called Sawan, is the holiest month of the year for devotees of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu belief, this is when Shiva consumed the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan to protect creation — and devotees honour that sacrifice by offering Gangajal at his shrines throughout the month. Every Monday (Sawan Somwar) carries special significance, but the Kanwar Yatra elevates this devotion into a physical act of pilgrimage: carrying holy water on foot, without letting it touch the ground, and offering it as Jalabhishek — most powerfully on Sawan Shivratri.
Important Days This Shravan
Kanwariyas begin departing for Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri, and Sultanganj.
The primary day for Jalabhishek — the busiest and most significant day of the yatra.
Also Nag Panchami.
Also Raksha Bandhan.
Sawan Shivratri Muhurat (Auspicious Puja Window)
| Muhurat | Timing |
|---|---|
| Nishita Kaal Puja | 11 Aug, 04:54 AM – 12 Aug, 01:52 AM |
| Ratri First Prahar | 11 Aug, 07:04 PM – 09:45 PM |
| Ratri Second Prahar | 09:45 PM – 12:26 AM (12 Aug) |
| Ratri Third Prahar | 12:26 AM – 03:07 AM (12 Aug) |
| Ratri Fourth Prahar | 03:07 AM – 05:49 AM (12 Aug) |
Dates may shift by a day depending on your local Panchang and how tithi timings fall in your city. Some temples observe Jalabhishek across the full Shivratri night rather than a single fixed hour. Always confirm exact timing with your local temple or a regional Panchang before finalising travel plans.