Kanwar Yatra is festival of harmony, make it occasion for social responsibility, service: CM Yogi
Lucknow, Aug 10
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged people to make the annual Kanwar Yatra a festival of social responsibility, service and cooperation, saying the pilgrimage is not merely a religious ritual but also a living expression of social harmony, discipline and India's cultural traditions.
In a message to the people of Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi said some journeys in Indian tradition go beyond religious observances and become "a living school of society, culture, discipline and public life."
He described the Kanwar Yatra held during the holy month of Shravan as one such unique tradition that brings crores of devotees together through their devotion to Lord Shiva.
"In this journey, every Shiva devotee has one identity, Kanwariya," the chief minister said, referring to the saffron attire, the kanwar carried on the shoulder, and the unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva that unite the pilgrims. He said their walking pace may differ, but their destination remains the same, offering holy water to Mahadev.
He said distinctions of caste, class, language, region and economic status become secondary during the pilgrimage. "Kanwar Yatra is a great festival of harmony and a living example of the principle of equality in Sanatan culture," he said.
Referring to the traditional belief associated with the pilgrimage, the chief minister said Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison during the churning of the cosmic ocean to protect creation and came to be known as Neelkanth. To soothe the heat of the poison, the gods performed his abhishek with Ganga water, he said, adding that the tradition of offering Ganga water during Shravan has since been regarded as particularly sacred.
The Kanwar Yatra, CM Yogi said, carries messages of austerity, service, self-restraint and mutual cooperation. "Austerity strengthens character, service improves society and unity makes the nation stronger," he said.
The chief minister also expressed admiration for devotees, including persons with disabilities, who undertake the arduous pilgrimage without being deterred by difficulties. Their unwavering faith and dedication, he said, are the greatest strengths of the Kanwar Yatra.
He said the state government is committed to ensuring that every devotee completes the journey safely and with dignity. Arrangements include floral showers to welcome Kanwariyas, cleanliness along the routes, organised camps, safe drinking water, medical assistance, toilets, lighting, traffic management and continuous monitoring through control rooms.
Adityanath appealed to people to turn the pilgrimage into an occasion for social responsibility and service. He urged devotees to adopt environment-friendly kanwars and take a pledge to live free of plastic.
He also appealed to people to give priority to ambulances and school vehicles travelling along the routes. "Our small act of alertness can become great assistance for someone," he said.
"The government is committed to your convenience and safety, but maintaining the dignity of this sacred tradition is the responsibility of all of us," CM Yogi said, adding that faith, discipline, restraint and service constitute the soul of the Kanwar Yatra and reflect Lord Shiva's message of public welfare.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's beautiful how the CM is highlighting the environmental aspect too—adopting environment-friendly kanwars and avoiding plastic. This is the kind of message we need during such large gatherings. Faith and responsibility can go hand in hand. 👏
I appreciate the CM's efforts to manage such a massive event smoothly. The request to give priority to ambulances is a thoughtful touch. But I also hope that the administration ensures minimal disruption for local residents and daily commuters during the yatra. It's a balancing act.
The story about Lord Shiva drinking the poison and being called Neelkanth is a powerful reminder of sacrifice for the greater good. That's the essence of what the CM is saying—selfless service. The yatra is indeed a moving festival of faith and unity. Har Har Mahadev! 🚩
The message is good, and the arrangements sound impressive—water, medical aid, lighting, control rooms. I just hope the "plastic-free" appeal is actually enforced on the ground. These events generate a lot of waste, and it's important that we practice what we preach. Still, a step in the right direction.
"Austerity strengthens character, service improves society and unity makes the nation stronger." What a profound line! This is the kind of leadership we need—connecting our traditions with civic sense. The yatra is truly a great equalizer where everyone is just a Kanwariya. 🙌
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