CM welcomes Kanwarias by washing their feet in Haridwar
By Our Staff Reporter
Haridwar, 30 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the Shiva devotee Kanwarias who had come from different states at the Om Pul Ghat near Damkothi here, today, by washing their feet and offering garlands, shawls and Gangajali. On this occasion, the Kanwarias were also showered with flower petals from choppers in Haridwar.
Welcoming the Kanwarias who arrived from different states of the country, the Chief Minister observed that Haridwar is a major centre of faith in the whole country. This holy place has the special blessings of Mother Ganga and Lord Bholenath. The Kanwar Yatra has special significance in the month of Shravan (Sawan). Dhami asserted that the state government has got the privilege of welcoming the Kanwarias. By making the Kanwar Yatra smooth and safe, the government is working as a supporter of the Kanwarias in this pilgrimage. Serving the Kanwarias is a virtuous act for everyone. He described the welcoming of the Kanwarias by showering them with flowers as a tradition of Atithi Devo Bhavah in Devbhoomi.
Dhami wished that the blessings of Lord Shiva should remain on everyone. He appealed to the Kanwarias that they should not only enjoy the journey by joining the system, but also contribute to the successful progress of the Kanwar Yatra programme in the holy month of Shravan by showing self-discipline with faith and belief. The Chief Minister also wished all the devotees involved in the Kanwar Yatra a smooth and safe journey ahead. The Chief Minister noted that with immense reverence, Shiva devotees from different parts of the country are coming on the Kanwar Yatra, who are carrying the country’s pride and pride, the tricolour, along with reverence and faith. He has also appealed to the Kanwar pilgrims to follow the traffic rules and the guidelines issued by the government administration.
Addressing the Shiv Samagam programme organised at Om Pul Ghat, the CM claimed that the state government is working to preserve Sanatan culture with faith and development. He said that all Kanwar devotees will take Ganga water and perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva. The Chief Minister also appreciated the cooperation of the district administration, saints, public representatives, social organisations, voluntary organisations for the smooth management of the Kanwar fair. He said that the state government has made adequate arrangements regarding setting up of health camps, toilets, parking, tin sheds, resting places at various places for the Kanwar Yatra. This year the arrangements have been improved further as compared to last year. He said that last year about four crore Kanwarias came to Uttarakhand. With the blessings of Lord Bholenath, last year’s journey was completed safely. He said that this year also a large number of Kanwarias are expected to come to Uttarakhand for which the government administration is fully prepared.
Dhami said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a special attachment to Uttarakhand. The grand and divine Kedarnath has been built under his leadership. Work is underway on the master plan also in Badrinath. A grand Ram temple is being constructed under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. The reconstruction work of various temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakal has been done with grandeur. He added that work on the Haridwar Rishikesh corridor will start soon and that this will provide more convenience to Kanwar pilgrims in the future.
On this occasion MLA Madan Kaushik, former minister Swami Yatishwaranand, BJP’s District President Sandeep Goyal, Adesh Chauhan, District Magistrate Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, SSP Pramendra Dobhal, etc., were among those present.
