Ghaziabad News – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the Shravan Kanwar Mela with a heartfelt visit to the Dudheshwarnath Mahadev Temple in Ghaziabad on Sunday. The event, a sacred pilgrimage for millions of Lord Shiva devotees, began with the Chief Minister performing the Rudrabhishek ritual, a traditional offering to Lord Shiva, amid chants and a warm welcome from temple students. A massive crowd of devotees gathered to witness the occasion, marking the start of the month-long Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Shravan.
CM Yogi’s visit was both a spiritual gesture and a hands-on review of preparations for the Kanwar Mela, a major religious event in North India. Speaking to the crowd, he described the Dudheshwarnath Temple as a cornerstone of Sanatan culture, praising its role in preserving faith and traditions under the leadership of Mahant Narayan Giri Ji Maharaj. “This temple is a beacon of devotion,” Yogi said. “The Kanwar Yatra reflects the spirit of unity and faith, and we’re committed to making it safe and smooth for every devotee.”
A Grand Welcome and Strict Guidelines
The Chief Minister was greeted with traditional Sanatani rituals by students of the Dudheshwarnath Veda Pathshala. He spent about 30 minutes at the temple, checking arrangements for the influx of Kanwariyas—devotees who carry holy Ganga water on foot to offer at Shiva temples. Yogi met with District Magistrate Deepak Meena to ensure facilities like drinking water, medical camps, and sanitation were in place. He also reviewed the progress of the Dudheshwarnath Corridor, a tourism project aimed at enhancing the temple’s infrastructure.
To ensure a peaceful yatra, Yogi emphasized strict measures. “We’ve set up CCTV and drone surveillance along the 540-km Kanwar route,” he announced. “Any attempt to disrupt the pilgrimage will face strict action.” He urged devotees to maintain hygiene, avoid littering rivers or roads, and report troublemakers to authorities. The government has also banned Kanwars taller than 10 feet, weapons, and provocative songs to keep the focus on devotion.
A Gesture of Reverence
After his temple visit, CM Yogi took to the skies, boarding a helicopter at the Ghaziabad Police Lines to shower flower petals on Kanwariyas traveling through Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and other western Uttar Pradesh districts. The gesture, a symbol of respect for the pilgrims, drew cheers from devotees below. “It’s heartwarming to see people of all ages—youth, women, children—walking with such faith,” Yogi said in Meerut, where he addressed a press conference. He called the yatra a beautiful display of social harmony.
Yogi also warned against elements trying to “defame” the yatra. “Some miscreants are spreading false narratives, even on social media,” he said. “Every Kanwar Sangh must stay vigilant and inform authorities about such people.” He promised that those causing trouble would be identified through CCTV footage, with their posters displayed publicly after the yatra.
Preparations for a Safe Yatra
The state government has gone all out to ensure a seamless experience for the estimated three crore Kanwariyas expected this year. The 540-km route is lined with water stations, medical camps, and rest areas. Women police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of female pilgrims. The administration has also banned non-vegetarian food stalls along the route and enforced a zero-plastic policy to keep the pilgrimage eco-friendly. “We want devotees to focus on their faith, not worry about basic needs,” Yogi said.
The Chief Minister also praised social organizations for setting up camps offering refreshments like shikanji (lemonade) and food. To maintain a spiritual atmosphere, public address systems will play Shiva bhajans along the route. Traffic management, through the Integrated Command and Control Center, will ensure smooth movement, with pothole-free roads and repaired streetlights.
Public Sentiment and Challenges
Devotees expressed joy at the Chief Minister’s involvement. “Seeing CM Yogi shower flowers from the sky felt like a blessing,” said a Kanwariya from Meerut. Local officials assured that extra police and medical teams are ready to handle the rush, especially on Mondays when crowds peak at Shiva temples.
The Kanwar Yatra, running from July 11 to August 9, is one of India’s largest religious gatherings. Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, walk barefoot for miles, carrying Ganga water in decorated pots to offer at temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Pura Mahadev. This year’s focus on discipline and safety has raised hopes for a trouble-free pilgrimage.
As the Shravan Kanwar Mela unfolds, Uttar Pradesh is set to balance devotion with order, ensuring a memorable experience for millions of Shiva bhakts.
