Kanwariyas flood Rishikesh on second somwar
22 July 2014 6:14 AM IST
Saffron-clad kanwariyas carrying kanwars on their shoulder was the centre of attraction for locals, local business community and foreign tourists. Most of devotees took a holy dip in Ganga water and then offered flowers, milk, bael leaves and fruits to the Lord Shiva.
‘Lord Shiva gives us strength and endurance to suffer worldly pain in silence. He is the epitome of perfect yogi with no wordly attachments. He is the well-wisher of poor and down-trodden,’ said an ardent devotee of lord Shiva, who hails from Faridabad in Haryana, during kanwar mela.
One young couple from Israrel was curiously watching large group of kanwarias walking on foot to reach Neelkanth Mahadev temple situated at an altitude of 1675 m on a hill above the famous Sawarg Ashram in Rishikesh. The couple reached there to learn yoga and meditation classes.
Although, they were unaware of the kanwar fair, but they appreciated the zest and fervor clearly visible on the faces of Shiva’s devotees.
‘I have never such a huge gathering for a religious ceremony. I have noticed a few teenagers in saffron-clad. Do they understand the real meaning of spirituality and religious,’ asked an Israeli woman in an exciting tone.
In ongoing Char Dham yatra which was started on 5 May so far had received three lakh pilgrims, as per state official data. On account of inclement weather, Kedarnath yatra has been suspended till 23 July as a precautionary measure. On the contrary, kanwar yatra which began on 13 July crossed the 80 lakh figure alone in Haridwar city as per district police rough estimation. If this influx of kanwarias continues till the end of kanwar fair (26 July), the figure may cross one crore in this sawan season.
From Tuesday onwards will start the beginning of dak kanwariyas (marathon runners) and foot kanwarias will start returning to their homes after collecting Ganga water and then offer it to the nearest Shiva temple in their home city.
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