'Neelkanth' beckons youth

rajugusain

'Neelkanth' beckons youth

Raju Gusain
Rishikesh, July 13
If you think that India's young generation is interested only in MTV, Pepsi, Coke and Domino's Pizza, think again. It has rediscovered religion and the ongoing 'Neelkanth Yatra' here proves this 'fresh religious awakening' among the youth.
The 'Neelkanth Yatra' is the latest craze among young people of Western Uttar Pradesh and other adjoining states. They form a major chunk of the 'Dak Kanwarias,' - devotees who travel on vehicles to fetch water to anoint Lord Shiv. The 'Kanwaria' visit this mountain shrine located amidst beautiful forest tracts, particularly in July-August during the annual pilgrimage.
Wearing orange T-shirts and shorts, these youth also reflect the changed face of religious tourism in India. Armed with still/video cameras, mobile phones, music systems and mineral water bottles, they opt for Qualis, Indica, Sumo type vehicles for transportation. But, above all, the small cargo truck (TATA 407) remains the favorite for this particular tour.
Mahant Kailash Bharati of the 'Panchayati Akhara Mahanirwani' says about the changed trend, "Traditionally, the 'Kanwarias' visiting Neelkanth used to be the elderly, between 50 and 60 years old. But, now, we are witnessing a sea change and 80% of the visitors to the shrine are the young. It is a good sign that they are returning to their faith and religion."
The 'Panchayati Akhara Mahanirwani' manages the shrine, which is located 24 kilometers from here and is connected by a motorable road that winds through the most pristine of protected forests. There is also track some 10 kilometres that can be covered on foot, which is preferred by many.
Young Robin Verma, B. Com IInd year student from Modnagar (Ghaziabad), says, "The 'Dak Kanwar' is less time consuming and it suits the lifestyle of the young generation. Comparing this visit with earlier ones, I find that with each passing year more people from the age group of 16 to 30 are making it to Neelkanth." He is doing the tour on motorcycles with his friends.
According to Hindu mythology, when the ocean was being churned for Amrit (nectar that would ensure immortality) it first spewed out venom. Threatened with the danger of annihilation the devotees prayed to Lord Shiva to save them. He drank the venom and it turned his throat blue, hence the name Neelkanth. It is believed that after consuming poison Lord Shiv took rest here.
This is the age of cable TV and channels too have contributed to promoting the Hindu religion. Pradeep Kumar from Hissar (Haryana) commented, "I watch 'Sanskar' and 'Aastha' channels. It is because of these that youths are now coming close to their religion."
The 'Dak Kanwar' is faster than the traditional pilgrimage and has influenced many of veteran devotees, who used to cover the entire distance on foot up to Neelkanth. "Seeing me and my friends touring the holy shrine on car and jeep, my father too has discontinued the traditional 'Kanwar.' He now uses transport instead of walking down from Hissar to Neelkanth."
To lure the 'NG' (New Generation) Kanwarias, many audio companies have produced cassettes/CDs on the Neelkanth Yatra in Bollywood pattern. The lyrics and music are similar to popular Hindi songs and cater to the taste of the new breed of Neelkanth Yatris who could even be found shouting: "Hamara Neta Kaisa Ho, Bholey Baba Jaisa Ho."
Hindustan Times
14 July 2004
Late city edition (New Delhi)

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