Haridwar Sees Record Kanwar Yatra Footfall as 4.43 Crore Devotees Collect Ganga Water
On Sawan Shivratri, devotees thronged temples across Haridwar, with Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple witnessing long queues and heavy crowds.
Haridwar witnessed a record turnout during this year’s Kanwar Yatra, with around 4.43 crore devotees having collected Ganga water from the holy city and returned to their destinations, according to police officials.
As the country observes Sawan Shivratri, Shiva temples across Haridwar are witnessing a massive influx of devotees. The Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, regarded as the in-laws’ home of Lord Shiva, has emerged as one of the major centres of devotion, with long queues of devotees since late Monday night.
Devotees could be seen chanting “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” while performing Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva. Police said nearly 63.60 lakh devotees visited Haridwar on Monday alone, underlining the enormous scale of this year’s pilgrimage.
The administration has made extensive security arrangements to manage the crowds. Police personnel, paramilitary forces and women police officers have been deployed along the Kanwar routes. Medical facilities, food and drinking water arrangements have also been put in place for pilgrims.
The Kanwar Yatra began on July 30 and concludes on Sawan Shivratri. Over the approximately 15-day pilgrimage, Kanwariyas from different parts of the country travelled to Haridwar to collect Ganga water before returning to their respective towns and villages.
To facilitate their movement, authorities have implemented traffic diversions and restrictions at several locations. City CO Shishupal Singh Negi said adequate security arrangements were in place and devotees were peacefully performing Jalabhishek before proceeding towards their destinations.
The massive gathering marks the culmination of one of the largest annual religious pilgrimages in the country.
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