Latest news with #KanwarYatra


Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Delhi home minister reviews preparations ahead of Kanwar Yatra
Delhi home minister Ashish Sood on Thursday held a meeting to review preparations for the Kanwar Yatra that begins next month. Sood said that Kanwar organising committees will be provided with all necessary administrative support at a single window system. 'A single-window system will be set up at the district magistrate offices to facilitate approvals and permissions from various departments in a streamlined manner. The safety, service, and convenience of hundreds of thousands of devotees entering Delhi during the yatra will be a top priority,' he added. The Kanwar Yatra is a religious tradition where millions of devotees collect water from the Ganga at Haridwar, Gangotri and other sacred places to offer at Shiva temples in the month of Savan. Every year, thousands of kanwars pass through Delhi en route to other states. Sood said all departments have been directed to ensure that pilgrims face no inconvenience on their designated routes. 'Arrangements related to sanitation, drinking water, uninterrupted electricity supply, and traffic management will be made in a timely, coordinated, and effective manner. We have instructed power department officials to ensure that any issues related to electricity disruptions or leakage risks during rains are addressed promptly during the Yatra days,' he added. The meeting was held with representatives of the fire services department, police, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, power department and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Sood also directed police to monitor sound systems in camps located near residential areas and ensure that devotional songs played over loudspeakers are limited to permitted hours to avoid disturbing local residents. Police personnel have been asked to politely request pilgrims to avoid playing loud music late at night. Coordination with police forces of neighbouring states has also been advised to ensure the safety and welfare of pilgrims. The Delhi Fire Services has been asked to prepare a plan for deploying small fire tenders near Kanwar camps to respond quickly in case of fire-related emergencies and prevent any mishaps.

The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Uninterrupted power, extra police personnel to ensure smooth journey for Kanwar yatris: Delhi Home Minister
Home Minister Ashish Sood said the Power department has been instructed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply along the yatri camps during the upcoming Kanwar Yatra. On Thursday, Mr. Sood chaired a review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to take stock of the preparations for the pilgrimage. The Yatra is expected to begin from the first week of July. 'The meeting was held with representatives of the fire department, the police, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, the power department and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi,' Mr. Sood said. He said a single-window system will be set up at the District Magistrates' offices to facilitate the approvals and permissions the Kanwar organising committees would need for the pilgrimage. Mr. Sood also said the Delhi Fire Services have been directed to deploy fire tenders near yatri camps to ensure quick response in case of fire-related emergencies. The Delhi police has been ordered to deploy an adequate number of male and female personnel along the route to maintain law and order, he added. The Minister said the police have also been asked to monitor the sound systems in the camps and ensure the yatris do not play loud music at night. The Capital is coordinating with the police forces of the neighbouring States to ensure that the Yatra is celebrated smoothly, as the Kanwar Yatra is the first event to be celebrated in the city since the BJP government came to power, he added.


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Will ensure smooth pilgrimage for kanwariyas with minimal inconvenience to public: Ashish Sood
New Delhi, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood on Thursday said the government will ensure that Kanwar pilgrims are able to observe their religious practices with full dignity and devotion, while ensuring minimal inconvenience to the general public. Sood chaired a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to review preparations for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Delhi Police, Urban Development Department, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Home Guards, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Power Distribution Companies, Disaster Management Authority, and other agencies concerned. Sood said this is the first major religious event under the current government, with thousands of devotees expected to arrive from different states. He said the government will ensure all necessary facilities for the pilgrims during their passage through Delhi. The minister announced that Kanwar organising committees will be provided with all necessary administrative support at a single point. A single-window system will be set up at the district magistrate's office to facilitate approvals and permissions from various departments in a streamlined manner. He said the safety, service and convenience of the devotees will be a top priority. He directed officials from the municipal corporation, urban development department, power department and other agencies to identify rest points along the yatra route and ensure proper facilities such as cleanliness, toilets, drinking water and adequate lighting. The power department was asked to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply along the route and at camp sites. Sood said the Delhi Police has been directed to deploy an adequate number of male and female personnel along the yatra routes and at camps to maintain law and order and manage traffic efficiently. Sensitive points along the route will be equipped with permanent barricading to ensure that pilgrims stay on designated paths and avoid unauthorised intrusions. He also directed the police to monitor sound systems in camps near residential areas and ensure that devotional songs played on loudspeakers are limited to permitted hours. Police personnel have been asked to politely request pilgrims to avoid playing loud music late at night to avoid causing disturbance to locals, an official statement said. They have also been asked to coordinate with police forces from neighbouring states. Sood instructed the Delhi Fire Services to prepare a plan for deploying small fire tenders near Kanwar camps to respond quickly in case of fire-related emergencies. Earlier this week, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had announced that issues faced by the Kanwar committees will be solved through a single-window system. She had stressed that the government will take care of all the facilities for the "Shiv bhakts". Kanwar Yatra is one of the most significant religious traditions of North India where millions of devotees collect holy Ganga water from Haridwar, Gangotri and other sacred places to offer at Shiva temples during the Hindi month of Saavan. Every year, thousands of kanwar devotees pass through Delhi en route to other states.


Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Sawan Kanwar Yatra 2025 start and end date: All you need to know toughest pilgrimages
Sawan Kanwar Yatra 2025: The month of Sawan (Shravan) holds deep spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is a time devoted to prayer, worship, and various religious observances in honour of Shiva. One of the most awaited events during this month is the Kanwar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage undertaken by Shiva's devotees, which witnesses massive participation across the country. What is the Kanwar Yatra? During the Kanwar Yatra, pilgrims called Kanwariyas chant slogans like 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Bam Bam Bole' as they walk barefoot to various Shiva temples. Kavadiayas collect holy Ganga water from sacred places like Haridwar and Gangotri, and then perform the Jalabhishek (water offering) of the Shivling with it. As per mythological beliefs, the first ever Kanwar Yatra was undertaken by Lord Parshuram, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Since then, offering water to Shiva during this yatra has become a profound symbol of faith, devotion, and dedication. In another story its believed, that Ravana, a devout follower of Lord Shiva, is considered the first Kanwariya. During a crisis caused by the churning of the ocean and the emergence of poison, Ravana brought Ganga water in his kanwar and used it to anoint the Shivlinga, helping Lord Shiva neutralize the poison. When Will Kanwar Yatra Begin in 2025? The Kanwar Yatra is a major annual religious event in Hinduism, observed during the auspicious month of Sawan. In 2025, Sawan will begin on 11 July and end on 9 August. As per tradition, the Kanwar Yatra will commence from 11 July 2025 and continue for 30 days, drawing lakhs of devotees from various parts of India. Important Rules to Follow During the Kanwar Yatra There are certain strict spiritual guidelines that devotees are expected to follow during the pilgrimage: Pilgrims must maintain purity in thought, word, and deed. All intoxicating substances such as alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, paan, and gutkha must be completely avoided. Once the yatra begins, the Kanwar (pot carrying Ganga water) must never be placed on the ground. Doing so is considered inauspicious and invalidates the journey. In case the Kanwar is accidentally placed on the ground, fresh water must be fetched and the yatra restarted. After relieving oneself, pilgrims must bathe before touching the Kanwar again. Devotees must avoid touching any leather products during the pilgrimage. What Do Kanwariyas Do During the Yatra? The Kanwar Yatra is a devotional journey dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, begin their on-foot pilgrimage from holy cities such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gaumukh, and Sultanganj, collecting sacred river water. They then walk for miles to their local Shiva temples or shrines, where they perform the ritualistic Abhishek of the Shivling using the collected water. FAQs: Q. Who was the first to undertake the Kanwar Yatra? A. It is believed that Lord Parshuram, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, was the first to fetch Ganga water from Haridwar and offer it to Shiva at Puramahadev. This act is recognised as the first Kanwar Yatra. Q. Do devotees fast during the yatra? A. No, strict fasting like nirjala (without water) or fruit-only fasts is not mandatory. However, pilgrims are expected to abstain from non-vegetarian food and alcohol, consuming only pure vegetarian meals. Q. Does the Kanwar Yatra fulfil wishes? A. As per religious belief, Lord Shiva blesses his devotees and fulfils their wishes if the yatra is performed with sincerity and devotion. Q. Is the Kanwar Yatra difficult? A. Yes, the Kanwar Yatra is considered one of the toughest pilgrimages. Devotees walk barefoot for days, enduring harsh sun, rain, and exhaustion. (Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.) For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Men in car leer at lone woman biker. She gets them arrested
Roorkee/Meerut: Three men were arrested and sent to jail while two others are absconding for making obscene gestures and remarks at a woman biker while driving past her on the Manglaur-Narsan highway in Uttarakhand, Meerut police said on Wednesday. Rahul Singh, Nikhil Kumar, and van owner Devender Singh — all residents of Pallavpuram in Modipuram, Meerut, and in their mid-20s — were taken into custody by Meerut police on Tuesday. The woman, a 30-year-old biker and Uttarakhand resident, uploaded a purported video while she was riding home with her pet cat on her bike's fuel tank on June 1 when two shirtless men leaned out of the van, waving at her and, upon receiving no response, blowing a kiss and making an obscene gesture. The woman alleged the men appeared to be inebriated. "People from UP, Haryana and Delhi often visit Uttarakhand on Saturday and Sunday and misbehave with women. I urge everyone to approach the police if they are ever caught in a similar situation. Such people should not come to our Uttarakhand. I will ensure they are taught a lesson," she said, tagging the Uttarakhand police in her post. The widely shared video sparked public outrage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Haridwar's Manglaur police took suo motu cognisance of the matter. Meanwhile, Meerut police tracked down the vehicle, registered in Devender's name. Uttarakhand Police registered a case on June 16 under BNS sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (action intended to insult the modesty of a woman). Meerut police also registered an FIR at Pallavpuram police station under BNS Sections 281 (rash driving), 125 (act endangering life or personal safety), and 296 (obscene acts). SP city Ayush Vikram Singh said, "The van has been seized and the accused were produced before the court before being sent to jail. Two more accused, Akshay Kumar and Pravesh Kumar, are on the run and will be nabbed soon." Officers said that their investigation revealed that the group of five had travelled from Meerut to Uttarakhand in the same van, picking up more passengers along the way. "They (The accused) will face legal proceedings in both Meerut and Haridwar," said Hemdutt Bhardwaj, investigation officer from Manglaur police. Haridwar police, who are preparing for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, warned that misbehaviour by any visitors will be dealt with sternly. "During the Kanwar Yatra as well, all anti-social elements will be identified, and stern action will be taken against them and their vehicles," said SSP Haridwar Pramendra Singh Dobal. In another video that surfaced online, the three accused are seen walking into Meerut's Pallavpuram police station, holding their ears and repeating: "All women are our brothers and sisters. We will not commit the same mistake again." UP Police presented all three accused before the local magistrate, from where they were sent to judicial custody.