Shiva devotees take out 82 km-long Kanwar Yatra in Japan
What's the story
In the holy month of Shravan, Shiva devotees took out a remarkable 82-kilometer-long Kanwar Yatra in Tokyo, Japan. The Bihar-Jharkhand Association of Japan is organizing this Yatra. Last year too, they organized a Kanwar Yatra in the country, with hundreds of devotees participating in the event. This year, devotees from India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are partaking in this pilgrimage.
Chief guest
Yatra was inaugurated by Sibi George, India's Ambassador to Japan
The Yatra commenced with proper rituals at Shree Radha Krishna Temple in Funabori, Tokyo, and will culminate at Saitama Shiva Temple, where devotees will offer Jalabhishek to Lord Shiva. During the Yatra, the Kanwariyas will travel partly by vehicle and partly on foot. The event was inaugurated by India's Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, who graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Twitter Post
Check out the Twitter post
भारत के बाहर पहली बार सात समंदर पार सावन में भगवान भोलेनाथ को जल चढ़ाने के लिए जापान की राजधानी टोक्यो में कांवर यात्रा शुरू हो गई है। इसका आयोजन बिहार-झारखंड एसोसिएशन ऑफ जापान द्वारा किया जा रहा है। जापान में भारत के राजदूत सीबी जॉर्ज ने मुख्य अतिथि के रूप में जापान में… pic.twitter.com/LKnaLg5fh9
— Bihar Foundation (@biharfoundation) July 17, 2023
Ganga water
Ganga water sourced from Sultanganj, Bihar
As per Bihar Foundation's official Twitter post, Ganga water was sourced from Sultanganj in Bihar. Following Jalabhishek and Havan, Mahaprasad will be served to all the devotees at the Saitama Shiva temple, where around 500 devotees are expected to participate. The Bihar-Jharkhand Association of Japan aims to foster the cultural, social, and educational welfare of the Bihar and Jharkhand community residing in Japan.
Local administration's support
Yatra's route follows local administration's guidelines
The Kanwar Yatra's route has been planned in accordance with the local administration's punctuality and guidelines. The Bihar-Jharkhand Association, along with other major Hindu organizations in Japan, is actively collaborating in this endeavor. Vikas Ranjan, the association's secretary, mentioned that the Japanese authorities are nicely assisting in ensuring security and the smooth execution of the Kanwar Yatra.
Applause
Bihar's Governor and Chief Secretary applauded organizers
Rajendra Arlekar, the Governor of Bihar, and Anjani Kumar Singh, the former Chief Secretary of Bihar and current advisor to the Chief Minister of Bihar praised the efforts of the Bihar Foundation Japan Chapter for promoting Indian culture in Japan. They also commended the association for providing exceptional service to the people of Bihar, even in places like Japan with a smaller Bihari population.