Celebrating Indian culture in Canada: Kawad Yatra returns to Oakville

Oakville recently witnessed a day of devotion, spirituality, and celebration of Indian culture in Canada, as the Kawad Yatra returned to the city for the seventh year in a row.

Organized on Aug. 9 by the Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) hundreds of devotees showcased traditional Hindu rituals, bringing a vibrant slice of Indian heritage to the Halton Region.

A spiritually enriching journey

Featuring participants in traditional attire, chanting hymns, and carrying symbolic offerings, devotees engaged in a spiritually enriching journey, carrying pots of water and paying homage to Lord Shiva, reflecting the depth of Indian culture in Canada while embodying faith and unity.

HCF’s annual Kawad Yatra has grown steadily in popularity over its seven years, providing a platform for the Indo-Canadian community to celebrate Indian culture in Canada while fostering fellowship and religious harmony. Organizers emphasized that the event was open to all, encouraging participation across generations and backgrounds.

What is Kawad Yatra?

The Kawad Yatra is a revered Hindu pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva. Traditionally, devotees, known as Kawadsiyas, travel on foot to collect holy water from sacred rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna, carrying it in pots (kawads) to offer at Shiva temples.

Key aspects of the pilgrimage include:

• Walking long distances, often barefoot, as a mark of devotion and austerity.
• Chanting hymns, singing devotional songs, and performing rituals along the route.
• Participating during the Shraavana month (July–August), considered highly auspicious for Shiva worship.

The Yatra symbolizes faith, endurance, and spiritual purification, and is considered to bring blessings, good fortune, and fulfillment of wishes. In Canada, the HCF has successfully adapted this tradition, allowing devotees to experience and celebrate Indian culture in Canada in a community-focused way.

Indian-origin population in Oakville and the Halton Region

Oakville and the broader Halton Region are home to a growing Indian-origin community, reflecting Canada’s larger immigration patterns from India. Recent demographic data highlights include significant numbers of residents in Oakville, Milton, and Burlington trace their roots to India, contributing to the cultural and religious vibrancy of the region.

The community actively participates in cultural events, temples, and festivals, helping to maintain traditions such as Diwali, Holi, and Kawad Yatra, promoting Indian culture in Canada. Indian-origin Canadians in Halton have also contributed to local business, education, and civic life, strengthening community networks and multicultural engagement.

The presence of this community not only ensures participation in spiritual events like the Kawad Yatra but also fosters a broader appreciation for Indian culture in Canada within Oakville and surrounding areas.