Kanwar is prepared with a bamboo stick on which two small pots are kept to carry holy water hang. The Kanwar Yatra or pilgrimage involves wearing saffron colored clothes, remaining on a strict vegetarian and non-alcoholic diet during the pilgrimage period, bathing in river Ganga and carrying the river water in a pot back to their home towns where it is offered at the local Shiva temple. Kanwarias dance on religious tunes at various venues while walking with the decorated Kanwars on their shoulders. The Kanwars are decorated and colorfull.
The return journey is undertaken on foot and the Kanwarias avail free assistance at numerous camps to bathe and rest, have food and even medical treatment. If someone gets sick or too tired on the way that person is free to break his journey and give his Kanwar to another one from his group. Kanwariyas are not supposed to even think of any wrong doings during the yatra. These people usually travel in groups and even if they start their journey alone, they get adopted in one of the many groups. Anyone can become a Kanwariya.