Preparations complete for Kanwar Yatra: Uttarakhand CM Dhami welcomes devotees to 'Devbhoomi'

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 27 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said all preparations for the Kanwar Yatra have been completed and the state is ready to welcome devotees to "Devbhoomi".
Speaking to reporters, CM Dhami said he has personally reviewed arrangements for the pilgrimage, including facilities for collecting holy water, cleanliness, accommodation, transport and security.
"Preparations are complete, and we will welcome all the Kanwariyas to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. I have personally held meetings to oversee all arrangements--be it the designated spots for collecting holy water, cleanliness, accommodation, transport, or security. We have deployed the Water Police and have also diverted traffic across various routes to ensure no one faces inconvenience. At the same time, I urge everyone to adhere to the pilgrimage guidelines. We have made every effort to ensure your yatra is pleasant and safe. I welcome everyone and extend my best wishes,' CM Dhami said.
Dhami also issued a stern warning against any disruption during the yatra."Whoever violates law and order or creates disruptions will face strict legal action," he added.
Earlier, CM Dhami directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the safe, smooth, and successful conduct of the Kanwar Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on July 30.
He said the safety and convenience of devotees remain the state government's highest priority and instructed all departments to complete preparations well in advance without any lapses.
Chairing a high-level review meeting in Haridwar, the Chief Minister said, "Kanwar Yatra is not only a major religious event but also reflects Uttarakhand's administrative efficiency, service spirit, and organisational capability."
The government's objective is to ensure a safe, well-organised, and clean Kanwar Yatra, so that every pilgrim returns from Devbhoomi Uttarakhand with a positive and secure experience, he said.
Dhami instructed officials to ensure proper hospitality for devotees and adequate arrangements for community kitchens (bhandaras) across the route. He also directed the installation of a sufficient number of clean pink toilets for women devotees at all major locations.
The Chief Minister said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has achieved significant progress despite global challenges, and Uttarakhand has also witnessed remarkable development across sectors." He noted that pilgrimage and tourism continue to strengthen the state's economy.
'Sawan' month 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)