Sambhal authorities review Kanwar Yatra preparations, expect rise in pilgrim footfall
Sambhal, July 15
The Sambhal district administration on Wednesday reviewed preparations for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra and the holy month of Shravan, saying all necessary arrangements are being put in place to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.
Speaking to ANI, District Magistrate Ankit Khandelwal said the administration has been working with religious leaders and the public to finalise preparations for the Yatra, with the first Monday of the Shravan month falling on August 3.
"In view of the Kanwar Yatra and the holy month of Shravan, the first Monday of the Shravan month will begin on August 3. We held meetings with priests from various religious sites as well as members of the general public. We have invited their suggestions regarding the arrangements the government needs to make for the Kanwar Yatra," the District Magistrate said.
He said departments have been instructed to complete all preparatory work well in advance to avoid inconvenience for pilgrims.
"Additionally, instructions have been issued to various departments to complete processes like tendering well in advance so that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience. Police personnel will certainly be deployed wherever necessary," he added.
Highlighting the security and crowd management plan, Khandelwal mentioned that the administration will leverage additional manpower to assist the police force.
"We will also utilise Civil Defence volunteers along the routes. Last time, the figure [of pilgrims] was between 2.5 and 3 lakhs; we are expecting a slight increase this year," he said.
During the annual pilgrimage, Kanwariyas collect holy water from rivers and carry it over hundreds of kilometres to offer it at Lord Shiva temples. Devotees across the country observe fasts, perform rituals, and undertake the Yatra as a mark of devotion.
'Sawan' holds a special place in Hindu mythology. Devotees undertake fasts and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples during the 'Sawan' month.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Every year we hear the same promises, but what about the traffic jams and congestion in the city? Last time, it took hours to get from one end of Sambhal to the other. Hope the police deployment this time is more strategic.
The spirit of the Kanwar Yatra is truly unmatched – lakhs of people walking barefoot for days, carrying the holy water. The administration must ensure that the devotees' safety is top priority, especially with the crowds expected to increase. They should also set up medical camps along the route. Jai Bholenath! 🌺
I appreciate the administration involving religious leaders and the public in the planning. That’s a good step. But they should also think about the environmental impact – all those plastic bottles and waste. Why not arrange for reusable containers or proper waste management?
Shravan is a time of immense devotion across North India. The district magistrate seems to have a clear plan – tenders, police deployment, Civil Defence volunteers. That’s reassuring. Let’s hope the execution matches the planning. Om Namah Shivaya 🕉️
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