Lucknow, August 10: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged citizens to view the Kanwar Yatra as more than just a religious ritual. He emphasized its significance as a grand festival of social unity, service, discipline, and mutual cooperation. In a message to the people of the state, he described the Kanwar Yatra as a unique journey that connects individuals from all walks of life through faith.
Yogi Adityanath highlighted that in Indian tradition, religious rituals, festivals, and cultural practices are interconnected. The Kanwar Yatra, which takes place during the month of Shravan, is a remarkable tradition that binds millions of devotees in devotion and faith each year.
He noted that participants carry Kanwars filled with Ganga water on their heads, traversing challenging paths to ultimately perform the water offering to Lord Shiva. This journey transcends caste, religion, region, and economic status, with people from all backgrounds participating with reverence. This inclusivity is its greatest strength and serves as a living example of the equality inherent in Sanatan culture.
The Chief Minister referenced the mythological significance of the Kanwar Yatra, explaining that during the churning of the ocean, Lord Shiva consumed poison to protect creation, earning him the name Neelkanth. To soothe the poison’s heat, the gods performed a water offering to him. This tradition of offering Ganga water has continued since then, and the Kanwar Yatra is an extension of that faith and tradition.
Yogi Adityanath stated that the Kanwar Yatra is not merely a festival of devotion but also conveys messages of sacrifice, penance, self-control, service, and cooperation. He emphasized that penance strengthens character, service empowers society, and unity fortifies the nation. The state government has made extensive arrangements to provide services to the large number of devotees during the Kanwar Yatra. Special attention has been given to cleanliness, medical facilities, lighting, drinking water, and security along the pilgrimage routes. Administrative teams, along with social and volunteer organizations, are dedicated to serving the devotees.
He appealed to the citizens to transform the Kanwar Yatra into a social celebration and a festival of service. He encouraged everyone to assist any Kanwar Yatra participant who may face difficulties along the way, stating that helping them is a virtuous act. Every segment of society should step forward to support and serve the devotees during this journey.
Yogi Adityanath concluded by asserting that Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its culture, faith, and devotion. It is our collective responsibility to uphold the dignity of the Kanwar Yatra. This journey is not just a means of expressing devotion to Lord Shiva; it also conveys a powerful message of social harmony and national unity.
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