The district administration has made robust arrangements to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience. During the yatra, 600 Haryana Police personnel have been deployed, who will remain on duty from the start to the end of the journey.
The sacred month of Sawan, which is dear to Lord Shiva, begins on July 22. As the month starts on a Monday, pilgrims undertaking the kanwar Yatra are already gathering at places like Haridwar, Garhmukteshwar, and Sultan Ganj. Let’s explore a special type of kanwar Yatra known as the ‘Dak kanwar’ and the associated rules. It’s believed that breaking any of these rules can result in the failure of the pilgrimage and an unfulfilled wish.
Enhanced security measures for Kanwar Yatra 2024
The police administration has become vigilant regarding the kanwar Yatra (kanwar Yatra 2024). The Yamunanagar administration in Haryana has prepared a road map for the kanwar Yatra. The district administration has made robust arrangements to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience. During the yatra, 600 Haryana Police personnel have been deployed, who will remain on duty from the start to the end of the journey.
Yamunanagar district shares its border with various states. For security reasons, 20 checkpoints have been set up in the district, and 28 critical locations will also have police personnel stationed.
SP Ganga Ram Puniya stated that 32 Dial 112 vehicles and 30 motorcycles have been assigned for patrolling. He mentioned that CCTV surveillance will also be in place during the yatra. Additionally, the health department has been instructed to keep ambulances on alert. He emphasised that no devotee will be allowed to face any trouble. SP Ganga Ram Puniya also noted that there is no current restriction on DJs.
It is noteworthy that a large number of devotees from Haryana participate in the kanwar Yatra each year. Consequently, many people travelling to Yamunanagar take routes through Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
Kanwar Yatra 2024 routes
The Kanwar Yatra features several prominent routes, with Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri serving as major starting points. Devotees collect sacred Ganges water from these locations and travel to various Shiva temples. Key routes include:
– Haridwar Route: This is the most popular route. Devotees journey from Haridwar to destinations such as the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh or the Pura Mahadeva Temple in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh.
– Gaumukh Route: Starting at Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges, devotees travel to their chosen destinations carrying the sacred water.
– Gangotri Route: Another significant route begins at Gangotri. Devotees transport water to temples like Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi or Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand.
– Sultanganj to Deoghar Route: This route involves collecting Ganges water at Sultanganj and travelling approximately 105 kilometres to the Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar.
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Kanwar Yatra 2024 important guidelines
To ensure a safe and respectful pilgrimage, devotees should adhere to the following guidelines:
– Health Precautions: With large crowds expected, maintaining personal hygiene and carrying essential medical supplies is crucial. Devotees should be physically prepared for the journey, which involves considerable walking.
– Safety Measures: Travelling in groups, avoiding isolated areas, and staying vigilant can help prevent accidents. Following traffic rules and minimising disruptions to the general public are important.
– Environmental Responsibility: Pilgrims should avoid littering and dispose of waste properly. Using reusable water bottles and bags can help reduce plastic waste.
– Respect Local Customs: Adhering to local customs and traditions is essential. Pilgrims should maintain respectful behaviour and avoid any form of misconduct.
– Government Directives: Following guidelines issued by local authorities and government, including any COVID-19 protocols, is crucial. Cooperation with law enforcement agencies is also necessary.
What is Dak Kanwar?
Dak kanwar is a special and extremely challenging form of kanwar Yatra performed during the month of Sawan for the worship of Lord Shiva. In this practice, devotees carry holy Ganga water and either run or walk briskly without resting, from places like Haridwar in Uttarakhand or Sultan Ganj in Bihar, to their destination Shiva temple, where they offer the water and complete their journey.
For instance, after collecting Ganga water from Sultan Ganj in Bihar, Dak kanwar pilgrims cover approximately 105 kilometres to Vaidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand, within 24 hours. This is officially recorded there.
Importance of Dak kanwar
For centuries, Dak kanwar Yatra has been a significant part of Indian culture and religion. It symbolises devotion, faith, and inner strength. This demonstration of intense devotion and dedication to Lord Shiva is only achievable with self-discipline and adherence to rules. It is believed that performing this yatra once purifies sins from this life as well as past lives, and grants salvation. The pilgrimage is also considered a means of self-purification and a way to earn the blessings of Lord Shiva.
