Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday showered flowers on Kanwar pilgrims in Meerut and conducted an aerial survey of the Kanwar Yatra route, as the annual pilgrimage gained momentum ahead of Sawan Shivratri.
Yogi described the Kanwar Yatra as a “living example” of devotion, dedication, social and national unity, and harmony. He said the state government was committed to welcoming the pilgrims and ensuring their safety and convenience throughout the pilgrimage.
Millions of Shiva devotees were participating in the journey after collecting sacred Ganga water from Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar and travelling towards Shiva temples for Jalabhishek, he said.
The chief minister estimated that around four to 4.5 crore (40-45 million) devotees travelling between Haridwar and Ghaziabad could participate in the Kanwar Yatra by Sawan Shivratri and carry Ganga water to sacred Shiva temples.
Describing the Kanwar Yatra as the pinnacle of devotion, Yogi said helicopter-based flower showers on Kanwariyas would continue on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, which is Sawan Shivratri.
The chief minister, accompanied by elected representatives, welcomed and showered flowers on Shiva devotees at Dulheda police outpost in Modipuram. Flowers were also showered on pilgrims from a helicopter as they made their way along the Kanwar route carrying sacred Ganga water for offering at Shiva temples.
{{/usCountry}}The chief minister, accompanied by elected representatives, welcomed and showered flowers on Shiva devotees at Dulheda police outpost in Modipuram. Flowers were also showered on pilgrims from a helicopter as they made their way along the Kanwar route carrying sacred Ganga water for offering at Shiva temples.
{{/usCountry}}The Kanwar route reverberated with chants of “Har Har Bam Bam” as devotees continued their journey towards their respective destinations.
Before reaching the programme venue, Yogi conducted an aerial survey of the Kanwar route by helicopter. He observed the movement of pilgrims and reviewed the arrangements made by the administration.
The chief minister paid tribute to the faith of Shiva devotees arriving from different parts of Uttar Pradesh and directed officials to ensure adequate arrangements for their security, dignity and convenience.
Yogi said large crowds of devotees had gathered at Shiv Chowk in Muzaffarnagar, while Meerut had also witnessed a large turnout of Kanwariyas.
He said devotees were participating in the pilgrimage with faith and enthusiasm at prominent Shiva temples, including Baba Augharnath Temple in Meerut, Baba Dudheshwar Nath Temple in Ghaziabad and Pura Mahadev Temple in Baghpat.
Apart from western Uttar Pradesh, devotees from Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have also joined the pilgrimage.
The chief minister said the Kanwariyas walking hundreds of kilometres in devotion to Lord Mahadev were demonstrating that faith could transcend caste, regional and state boundaries.
“Rising above the boundaries of caste, region and state, every breath of these devotees is dedicated to Lord Shiva,” he said.
He said the administration had made extensive arrangements to ensure the safety of pilgrims and maintain a smooth pilgrimage route.
He said district officials, sector magistrates, joint magistrates and police personnel, along with officers at the zone, range, district and police station levels, were actively involved in the arrangements.
The chief minister said the security personnel were performing their duties with a sense of devotion while ensuring the safety of the pilgrims.
Social workers and charitable organisations have also set up camps at various points along the route to provide food, water, medical assistance and other facilities to the Kanwariyas.
Yogi thanked these organisations for contributing to the arrangements and supporting the pilgrims during their journey.