DELHI NEWS : The sacred Hindu month of Sawan began on Friday, ushering in a season of devotional fervor with special prayers and rituals taking place at Shiva temples across the country. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva during this auspicious period fulfills their desires, prompting large turnouts at temples from the early hours. Alongside these religious practices, the much-awaited Kanwar Yatra has also started and will run until August 9. Around 4.5 crore Kanwar pilgrims are expected to embark on their journey from Haridwar during this 28-day pilgrimage.
Heavy Influx of Pilgrims at Ganga Ghats
Since the first day of Sawan, thousands of Kanwariyas carrying ornately decorated “Kanwars” filled with holy water from the Ganga have begun their journey to various Shiva temples for ritual offerings. Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri and other riverside locations are witnessing massive crowds. To handle this surge, authorities in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have implemented special arrangements.
Enhanced Security Along Yatra Routes
Security has been ramped up along the pilgrimage routes, with personnel deployed and CCTV surveillance installed to monitor movement. Officials are also conducting routine checks for food safety, and meat shops along the route have been ordered to shut down in respect of the pilgrimage’s sanctity.
Crackdown on Meat Shops
In Ghaziabad, BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar issued a stern warning against open meat shops along the Kanwar path, citing the beginning of the holy Sawan month and Purnima. He insisted that licenses for such shops are now invalid and urged authorities to close them immediately, warning of public backlash if action is delayed.
Concerns Over Pilgrim Safety and Religious Harmony
Tensions have risen in Muradnagar, where Hindu Raksha Dal activists posted signs on Hindu-owned shops claiming to protect women Kanwar pilgrims from alleged harassment by individuals from other communities. Gaurav Sisodia, a member of the group, stated their presence was meant to ensure the pilgrims’ safety and the sanctity of the Yatra.
Controversy Over Kanwar Making in Haridwar
A dispute has emerged in Haridwar over Muslim artisans building Kanwars. Several religious leaders, including Swami Yatindranand Giri of the Juna Akhada, have appealed to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to prohibit Muslims from constructing Kanwars within city limits. In response, artisans from Haridwar’s Jwalapur area, many of whom are from Muslim families with a long-standing tradition of crafting Kanwars, said they would continue their work. The state government has not imposed any such ban so far.
Appeal for Discipline and Adherence to Rules
Delhi Police have appealed to pilgrims to stick to approved routes. Additional Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Gupta emphasized that comprehensive measures are in place to ensure the safety and convenience of the Kanwariyas and urged the public to follow official guidelines.
As the month of Sawan progresses, devotees are also preparing for the upcoming Sawan Shivratri on July 23. Offerings of Ganga water will continue until August 9. With over 4 crore devotees participating last year, this year’s numbers are expected to rise even further, prompting local administrations to bolster their planning and security efforts.
The start of Sawan and the Kanwar Yatra not only underscores the profound spiritual importance of the season but also brings forth logistical and security challenges, which authorities are tackling through reinforced regulations and infrastructure.