Lucknow, Aug 10 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged people to make the annual Kanwar Yatra a festival of social responsibility, service and cooperation, saying the pilgrimage is not merely a religious ritual but also a living expression of social harmony, discipline and India’s cultural traditions. In a message to the people of Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi said some journeys in Indian tradition go beyond religious observances and become “a living school of society, culture, discipline and public life.”He described the Kanwar Yatra held during the holy month of Shravan as one such unique tradition that brings crores of devotees together through their devotion to Lord Shiva.

“In this journey, every Shiva devotee has one identity, Kanwariya,” the chief minister said, referring to the saffron attire, the kanwar carried on the shoulder, and the unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva that unite the pilgrims. He said their walking pace may differ, but their destination remains the same, offering holy water to Mahadev.He said distinctions of caste, class, language, region and economic status become secondary during the pilgrimage. “Kanwar Yatra is a great festival of harmony and a living example of the principle of equality in Sanatan culture,” he said.Referring to the traditional belief associated with the pilgrimage, the chief minister said Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison during the churning of the cosmic ocean to protect creation and came to be known as Neelkanth. To soothe the heat of the poison, the gods performed his abhishek with Ganga water, he said, adding that the tradition of offering Ganga water during Shravan has since been regarded as particularly sacred.

The Kanwar Yatra, CM Yogi said, carries messages of austerity, service, self-restraint and mutual cooperation. “Austerity strengthens character, service improves society and unity makes the nation stronger,” he said.The chief minister also expressed admiration for devotees, including persons with disabilities, who undertake the arduous pilgrimage without being deterred by difficulties. Their unwavering faith and dedication, he said, are the greatest strengths of the Kanwar Yatra.He said the state government is committed to ensuring that every devotee completes the journey safely and with dignity. Arrangements include floral showers to welcome Kanwariyas, cleanliness along the routes, organised camps, safe drinking water, medical assistance, toilets, lighting, traffic management and continuous monitoring through control rooms.

Adityanath appealed to people to turn the pilgrimage into an occasion for social responsibility and service. He urged devotees to adopt environment-friendly kanwars and take a pledge to live free of plastic.He also appealed to people to give priority to ambulances and school vehicles travelling along the routes. “Our small act of alertness can become great assistance for someone,” he said.“The government is committed to your convenience and safety, but maintaining the dignity of this sacred tradition is the responsibility of all of us,” CM Yogi said, adding that faith, discipline, restraint and service constitute the soul of the Kanwar Yatra and reflect Lord Shiva’s message of public welfare.

/IANS