The first Monday of the sacred Shravan month saw long queues of devotees outside temples, with the Dudheshwar Nath Temple in Ghaziabad witnessing devotees lining up as early as 4 a.m. to perform the ‘Jalabhishek’ ritual for Lord Shiva. The holy month of Shravan, which lasts from July 22 to August 19, holds special significance, with Mondays being particularly auspicious. This year, the month begins and ends on a Monday, with five Mondays in total.
Moreover, to ensure a smooth and safe experience for devotees, the Ghaziabad police have implemented a route diversion plan, barricaded the area, and set up a pathway for devotees. The area is also under CCTV surveillance, monitored by the police control room. With the start of the Shravan month, the movement of Kanwar Yatris (Kanwariyas) is expected to increase, with thousands traveling to Haridwar and Rishikesh to collect water from the Ganga River and offer it in Lord Shiva temples. Strict security and traffic arrangements made to facilitate their journey.
Kanwar Yatra
Today, the first Monday of the sacred Shravan month, devotees of Lord Shiva gathered at temples nationwide, offering prayers and performing rituals. Many took a holy dip in rivers like the Ganga, seeking blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity. The Kanwar Yatra also commenced today, with pilgrims arriving in Haridwar and other cities to collect Gangajal and offer it to Lord Shiva.
In Haridwar, enhance security arrangements made to manage the influx of pilgrims, with 5,000 security personnel deployed. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed devotees and urged cooperation in maintaining law and order and cleanliness.
Apart from Haridwar, devotees flocked to temples in Ujjain, Varanasi, Meerut, Gorakhpur, and other cities, offering prayers and seeking blessings. The first day of Shravan holds great spiritual significance for Hindus, and this year, the month spans from July 22 to August 19. Mondays during Shravan, known as Shravan Somvar, are particularly auspicious, with devotees fasting and praying to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.