Haridwar/Muzaffarnagar: 'Kanwariyas' on Saturday began the 'Kanwar Yatra' from Haridwar in Uttarakhand and Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh on foot to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, as the auspicious month of 'Sawan' will begin on July 22.
The Uttarakhand police administration has made tight security arrangements ahead of the holy month of Sawan.
At the same time, in view of the 'Kanwar Yatra', the administration has also made tight arrangements for the security of the Kanwariyas.
Meanwhile, Kanwariyas of Uttar Pradesh started the Yatra from Muzaffarnagar to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
The Kanwar Yatra is a significant ritual during 'Sawan'. People gather water from sacred rivers for this rite and place it in little mud pots known as kanwars. Devotees don saffron-coloured clothes while carrying the holy water and walk on foot to visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
In the Hindu calendar, 'Sawan' also known as 'Shravan' is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, is one of the holiest months of the year.
Every Monday during this period is regarded as a highly auspicious time to fast and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
The month of 'Sawan' will begin from July 22.
Devotees who are termed Kanwariyas visit places like Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand, and Sultanganj in Bihar to fetch the holy water of River Ganga and then worship God with that water. (with Agency inputs)
