Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], July 17 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday reviewed and hailed the preparations for the ongoing Kanwar Yatra in Haridwar and noted the high level of enthusiasm among the devotees participating in the annual pilgrimage.
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said that devotees have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made and prayed for a safe yatra for all participants.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm among the devotees for this Kanwar Yatra. All stakeholders make all arrangements to conduct this yatra well. The devotees have expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made. I pray for a safe yatra for all devotees”, Dhami said.
Earlier in the day, CM Dhami laid the foundation stone for a 251-feet-tall saffron flag on the banks of the Ganga, under the joint initiative of the Ganga Sabha and the Indian River Council.
Thousands of Kanwariyas (pilgrims) are currently collecting holy water from the Ganga at Har Ki Pauri as part of the annual pilgrimage.
Calling the Kanwar Mela a “festival of celebration,” Dhami welcomed all Shiva devotees to the state and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing a divine and memorable experience to every pilgrim.
The Chief Minister also informed that over 1 crore devotees have so far collected Ganga water during this year’s yatra.
“The Kanwar Mela is a festival of celebration for all of us. Shiva devotees from across the country come to Haridwar to collect water from the Ganga. We welcome everyone who comes to the divine land. All kinds of arrangements are made for them. Our goal is to ensure that all Shiva devotees have a wonderful experience in the divine land… So far, more than one crore people have taken Ganga water”, Dhami said.
The Kanwar Yatra, which began on July 10, is an annual pilgrimage during which Kanwariyas collect holy water from rivers and carry it across long distances to offer it at Lord Shiva temples. Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and undertake the yatra as an act of religious devotion. (ANI)