Tarkeswar 1: Kawaria

30 July, 2006: I along with Yogesh, Arun and Shiv made a day long trip to Tarkeswar - a religious place near Kolkata in West Bengal. Mohit also came along with us, but we lost him (for good) in the way (pun intended).

For people who do not what Tarkeswar is all about. Let me tell you. Tarkeswar has a temple of Lord Shiva. Thousands and thousands of devotees go there once a year during the rainy season. The tough part is that all these devotees go there bare footed and carry along with them the holy Ganges water. Which they later on pour on top of the Lord Shiva's shrine in Tarkeswar. I do not know the history of the temple. I tired searching on the internet but did not find any information regarding Tarkeswar.

The devotees who carry the Ganges water are called 'Kawaria'. The nearest Ganga to Tarkeswar is approximately 35 km. The distance is covered approximately between 8-16 hours, depending on the Kawaria. Have a look at the photos and you will get the picture of the whole Tarkeswar story.

PS: I have also being a Kawaria for seven year at a stretch. I will try and find a photo and post it later on.


Kawaria on cycle.


Monstrous Kawar.


'Shiva Chilling Out' Kawar.


Mobile Kawar.


Kawaria in a joint. Sharing a puff.


Life has to go on: Isn't it amazing, that even a physically challenged person has so much of courage to become a Kawaria.


Fashion, poor or comfort?


Women Kawaria.


Follow the line.


Kawarias.


A Kawaria making his way through the vehicles. Nothing stops a Kawaria.


Kawaria's rest at the 'Shree Shyam Seva Sangh Camp'. When I was kid I used to come to this particular Kawaria assistance camp and help the Kawarias.


Keep walking.


Cow Kawar.


Heavy Kawar.


Father carrying his child.


Monstrous Kawar.


Kawarias waiting and resting.


Kawar stand.


Monster BUTT.


CReativity at its best. Monster Kawar.


Scared cow and Goddess Kali Kawar.


Picking up the Monster Kawar.


Walk walk walk.

Go to:
Tarkeswar 1: Kawaria
Tarkeswar 2: Shops
Tarkeswar 3: Poor and Needy
Tarkeswar 4: On the Road
Tarkeswar 5: Misc