Bhubaneswar, July 28: For kawariyas, who walk from distant places to major Shaivite shrines to offer holy water to Lord Shiv during the ongoing month of Shravan, it is definitely a tough feat. But apart from devotion, there are a lot of “cool” elements that drive many youngsters to take up the vows of Bol Bum journeys, as the process is known in the state.

Mostly a north Indian tradition, vowing to walk miles to visit a Shaivite shrine or the kanwariya walk, has become popular in Odisha since the past two decades.

In Bhubaneswar, the most visited shrine is the Lingaraj temple, where devotees make beelines on every Monday in the month of Shravan to pour the holy water on the lingam.

While the practice started as a vow that is kept if wishes are fulfilled, now it is more of an adventure.

In the nineties, there were more of middle-aged people showing interest in Bol Bum, but soon youngsters found it challenging and there are 90 per cent devotees in the age group between 20 and 35, who undertake the journey, said Abani Pattnaik, a Lingaraj temple administrator.

Among the elements that are attracting the youngsters is the trip itself that tests your strength and patience.

“The trip is to be taken during monsoons and that itself makes it tough when heavy rain lashes on you and yet you need to keep walking to be at the Shiv site by Monday. Plus, walking alongside heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses while carrying your paraphernalia is another challenge,” said 24-year-old Souvik Naik, who visited Lingaraj temple today to complete his vows.

Moreover, many youths take to smoking chillums, which are usually available around the Shaivite centres. But, some also enjoy the attire and even give it a stylised look.

“We wear printed Shiv T-shirts, which are pretty cool. Also, each walker needs to carry a rod with two bowls carrying the holy water. We try to decorate the rod with led lights and streamers to make it look attractive,” said Anubhav Swain, an engineering student.

This Monday was the third of the Shravan season this year. The Bol Bum yatra or walk will conclude next week since only one more Shravan Monday is left.