Route, rituals & devotion: Kanwar Yatra begins

The holy month of Sawan began on Friday, marking the start of Kanwar Yatra across Uttar Pradesh with Lord Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) setting out to collect holy water from the Ganga from Haridwar and other holy sites to offer ‘Jalabhishek’ at Shiva temples.

- Deepak Lavania

Meerut and Bareilly came alive with spiritual fervour, col-ourful processions and robust administrative arrangements.

The Meerut administration prepared eight designated routes to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. “All these routes are equipped with electrical connections, sanitation facilities and medical camps to ensure devotees face no obstacles,” said divisional commissioner (Meerut) Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod.

The 540-km Kanwar route in the Meerut range, spanning Meerut, Bulandshahr, Baghpat and Hapur, features 119 security barriers, 184 rest points and 838 temporary camps. Additionally, 184 magistrates are overseeing 24 zones and 68 sectors, monitoring road cleanliness, food quality, and camp operations. “We've ensured food outlets display rate lists to prevent overcharging and provide hygienic meals,” Yashod added.