Helicopter Showers Flower Petals on Kanwariyas; Uttarakhand CM Releases Book on Shiva Temples

Flower petals were showered on Kanwariyas in Meerut from a helicopter. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami released a book on Shiva temples and emphasized the spiritual significance of the Kanwar Yatra. The Yatra, a sacred ritual, involves devotees collecting holy water and observing fasts during 'Sawan'.

Flower petals rained down from a helicopter on Kanwariyas in Meerut on Thursday. This spectacle followed an event on Wednesday where Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the 'Shiv Samagam' programme in Haridwar.

During the event, CM Dhami unveiled a book titled 'The Eternal Lord Great Shiva Temples of Uttarakhand,' compiled by the Haridwar District Administration. He expressed his honor in serving Shiva devotees and Kanwariyas in Haridwar, calling it a divine blessing.

Dhami further highlighted the unifying power of the Kanwar Yatra, noting that pilgrims from various states congregate in Haridwar to collect holy Ganga water. On Tuesday, he personally welcomed Kanwariyas at the Om Pul Ghat near Damkothi by washing their feet and offering garlands, shawls, and Gangajal.

Kanwar Yatra, a profound religious ritual, involves devotees carrying water from sacred rivers in mud pots known as kanwars. Clad in saffron, they journey on foot to Shiva temples. Prominent pilgrimage spots include Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri in Uttarakhand, and Sultanganj in Bihar.

The Hindu month of 'Sawan,' starting on July 22 this year, is especially holy for Shiva devotees. Every Monday during this period is deemed auspicious for fasting and seeking Lord Shiva's blessings, marking a spiritually significant time in the Hindu calendar.

(With inputs from agencies.)