Tragic Incident Mars Kanwar Yatra: Devotee Dies in Road Accident

In Muzaffarnagar's Ratanpuri, a Kanwar Yatra pilgrim died and another was injured in a road accident. The incident occurred when tired devotees lay on the roadside and a speeding bike struck one. The Kanwar Yatra, a Hindu pilgrimage, is marked by fasting, prayers, and temple visits during the month of Sawan.

A tragic incident occurred in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, where a Kanwar Yatra pilgrim lost his life and another was injured in a road accident. The accident took place in the Ratanpuri police station area. According to police reports, the incident involved three Kanwar devotees lying exhausted by the roadside. A speeding bike hit the sleeping devotee, resulting in his death and injuring another.

Khatauli Circle Officer Ramashish Yadav stated, 'Information was received about an accident in the Ratanpuri police station area. Upon reaching the spot, it was discovered that three Kanwar devotees, fatigued and laid down on the roadside, suffered when a speeding bike struck a sleeping devotee. One died, and another is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.'

Further investigation into the incident is ongoing. The Kanwar Yatra has officially begun, coinciding with the monsoon showers and the first Monday of 'Sawan.' Devotees across the nation are participating in the pilgrimage, visiting temples to offer prayers, and some taking a holy dip in the Ganga to mark the occasion.

Pilgrims have been arriving in Haridwar to collect Gangajal and offer it to Lord Shiva. Devotees flock to renowned temples such as Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Kali Paltan in Meerut, and Jharkhandi Mahadev in Gorakhpur. The month of Sawan is spiritually significant, dedicated to the worship, fasting, and pilgrimage for Lord Shiva.

Hindus revere Sawan as the time when Lord Shiva consumed the poison from the ocean churning (Samudra Manthan), thereby saving the universe from its toxic effects. Fasting, prayers, and rituals like Rudrabhishek are common practices during this sacred month, symbolizing Shiva's compassion and benevolence. Devotees typically observe fasts on Mondays, known as Shravan Somvar, considered highly auspicious.

Many devotees abstain from grains, consuming only fruits, milk, and specific permissible foods. Rituals such as chanting Shiva mantras, singing bhajans, and performing Rudrabhishek with holy substances are fervently observed in households and temples.

(With inputs from agencies.)