Ghaziabad: As the sacred month of Sawan begins, thousands of Lord Shiva devotees are making their way to Haridwar. Among them, a remarkable father-daughter duo from Ghaziabad, Dr. Umesh Pant and his daughter Umang Pant, completed the 501 km Kanwar Yatra — not on foot, nor by any motor vehicle — but on bicycles.
Dr. Pant, a homeopathic doctor based in Vasundhara, Ghaziabad, and his daughter Umang, a B.Sc. Yoga student, undertook this spiritual journey to promote health consciousness and environmental awareness. They began their journey on July 11 and reached Haridwar on July 13. After collecting holy water from the Ganges, they began their return journey the same evening, completing the 501 km round trip in just five days — two days ahead of their planned schedule.
“I’ve been spreading awareness about healthy living and lifestyle for years. This time, I decided to merge spirituality with fitness. Cycling from Ghaziabad to Haridwar was not just a personal challenge, but also a message to others,” said Dr. Pant.
To prepare for the journey, Dr. Pant trained by cycling 25 km daily for a month. Umang also followed a training routine, riding 15–20 km daily for three weeks before the Yatra. Their goal was to cycle around 100 km each day. They would start early at 5 a.m., cover about 60 km by late morning, rest during the afternoon heat, and continue from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to complete the day’s distance.
Despite the scorching weather, Umang said the experience was enriching. “There were tough moments, but Lord Shiva’s blessings kept us going. Along the way, people were incredibly kind — offering tea, fruits, and even inviting us into their homes.”
During the journey, they interacted with locals and fellow travelers, spreading the importance of regular cycling and fitness. “Just 20 minutes of cycling every day can significantly improve physical and mental well-being,” Dr. Pant emphasized, adding that cycling helps prevent lifestyle diseases like heart ailments, diabetes, and obesity.
“Initially, I wasn’t sure if I could do it, but with every passing kilometer, my confidence grew,” said Umang, who hopes their story will inspire more people to embrace a healthier and eco-friendlier lifestyle.
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