By Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday, August 8, welcomed Kanwariyas in Meerut as the annual Kanwar Yatra entered a crucial phase during the holy month of Shravan. The Chief Minister showered rose petals on Shiva devotees and reviewed arrangements along the pilgrimage route, underlining the government’s focus on security, facilities and smooth movement of pilgrims.
Standing alongside Meerut MP Arun Govil and other public representatives, Yogi honoured the Kanwariyas gathered in the city. Flowers were also showered from a helicopter along the Kanwar route as thousands of devotees continued their journey carrying holy Ganga water from Haridwar for Jalabhishek at Shiva temples.
Yogi calls Kanwar Yatra an example of unity
Welcoming devotees from different parts of the country, Yogi said the pilgrimage reflects not only religious faith but also social harmony and national unity. He noted that Kanwariyas from Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and several other states are participating in the annual journey.
The Chief Minister said devotees walking hundreds of kilometres for Mahadev demonstrate a strong spirit of dedication while rising above caste, regional and state boundaries. He described the pilgrimage as a living example of devotion, discipline and togetherness.
Before reaching the public venue in Meerut, Yogi conducted an aerial survey of the Kanwar route. He also instructed officials to maintain adequate security and ensure that pilgrims receive the necessary facilities throughout their journey.
Security arrangements stepped up along Kanwar route
According to the Chief Minister, the administration has deployed personnel across multiple levels to manage the large movement of devotees. Officials ranging from sector and zonal magistrates to police personnel at the zone, range, district, circle, police station and beat levels have been assigned responsibilities related to the pilgrimage.
Yogi said western Uttar Pradesh has been filled with chants of “Har Har Bam Bam” as Kanwariyas make their way towards their respective destinations with Ganga water.
He added that the administration is maintaining heightened vigilance to ensure that devotees can complete the pilgrimage safely and without disruption.
Lakhs of devotees already part of the pilgrimage
The Chief Minister said the Kanwar Yatra is approaching its peak, with devotees steadily moving from Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar towards Shiva temples where they will perform Jalabhishek.
Yogi estimated that around four to four-and-a-half crore Shiva devotees could participate in the Kanwar Yatra on the route between Ghaziabad and Haridwar by the time of Shravan Shivratri. He said the government and administration are fully prepared to manage the large gathering and provide security to pilgrims.
Concluding his remarks, Yogi offered prayers to Lord Shiva for the well-being of the devotees and expressed hope that their wishes would be fulfilled. He also prayed for an atmosphere of peace, happiness and harmony across Uttar Pradesh and the country.
The Chief Minister’s Meerut visit comes as the administration remains focused on managing one of the largest annual religious pilgrimages in the region, with security, crowd management and pilgrim facilities continuing to remain key priorities.
