Each year, with the blessings of HH Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Parmarth Niketan organizes a free medical and environmental awareness camp at Baghkhal, Rajaji National Park to make sure that the annual journey of Shiv devotees and Kanwadis is as safe and comfortable as possible. This year, the camp – which opens on the holy day of Guru Purnima, includes numerous water stations from Barrage to Swargashram for the Kanwadis use.

Pujya Swami ji said that the annual devotional trek is not just a journey but a life journey. “It is neither for show nor for noise, but it is a symbol of peace and Shivatva, one that should encourage all participants to take a pledge to eliminate garbage and to begin and end the journey chanting ‘Om Namah Shivay.'”

“Kawand Yatra,” Pujya Swamiji concluded, “is not a garbage yatra. It is not an opportunity to throw old clothes and old belongings and plastic in Ganga. It is an opportunity to plant trees and honour Mother Nature!”