Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed Kanwar pilgrims in Haridwar by washing their feet at a special event held near the Om Pul Ghat. The heartfelt gesture was part of a larger cultural and religious program organized to honor the lakhs of Shiva devotees arriving in the holy city during the annual Kanwar Yatra. In a symbolic and spiritual gesture, CM Dhami personally washed the feet of the Kanwariyas and offered them his respects, calling it a great blessing to serve Lord Shiva’s devotees.
During his visit, CM Dhami also participated in a grand devotional evening (Bhajan Sandhya) held on the banks of the Ganga River. The event saw thousands of Kanwar pilgrims gather in an atmosphere filled with devotion and reverence. Expressing his gratitude, the Chief Minister praised the Haridwar Police, administrative teams, and HRDA (Haridwar-Roorkee Development Authority) for making the Yatra successful and smooth so far.
Historic Announcement: 251-Feet Tall Saffron Flag at Ganga Ghat
In a significant cultural announcement, CM Dhami revealed that a 251-feet tall saffron flag — the tallest in the world — will be installed on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar. This initiative, under the joint auspices of the Ganga Sabha and the Indian River Council, aims to honor the religious significance of the city and reinforce its stature as a spiritual capital of India.
Shiva Devotion and the Importance of Kanwar Yatra
The Chief Minister emphasized the spiritual significance of offering Ganga Jal to Lord Shiva, especially during the holy month of Shravan. According to him, even a simple water offering pleases Lord Shiva, and the devotion during this period holds immense spiritual merit. Every year, millions of devotees walk hundreds and thousands of kilometers to collect sacred Ganga water from Haridwar and offer it at Shiva temples in their hometowns.
CM Dhami stated that the Kanwar Yatra is not only an expression of faith but also an opportunity to serve, participate in public welfare, and experience inner purification. Over one crore Shiva devotees have already commenced their journeys from Haridwar this year, setting a new participation record.
A Vision for Cultural Revival Across India
Highlighting India’s cultural renaissance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, CM Dhami praised ongoing projects like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Mahakal Corridor in Ujjain, and major developments in Kedarnath and Badrinath under the Uttarakhand master plan. He also noted that PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the high-altitude holy site of Adi Kailash at 17,500 feet, thus bringing global attention to the region.
Dhami also mentioned the proposed Haridwar–Rishikesh Corridor project, which will transform the spiritual landscape of the region, similar to the grand transformations witnessed in Kashi and Ayodhya.
Strengthening Safety and Services for Devotees
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to a smooth and safe Kanwar Yatra, CM Dhami listed several new initiatives. A dedicated mobile app has been launched to provide real-time assistance to pilgrims, covering health services, toilets, parking, tin-shed shelters, and resting zones. Hotels and eateries along the Yatra route are being monitored for hygiene and food quality.
Security has been significantly enhanced, with more than 300 CCTV and drone cameras installed across the Kanwar region. For medical emergencies, special water ambulances are now operational, allowing quick transportation via the Ganga river or canal in case of traffic congestion.
Preserving Discipline and Devotion
CM Dhami underlined that the Kanwar Mela is not just a religious event but a reflection of India’s Sanatan cultural values. He emphasized the need for discipline and decorum during the pilgrimage. Referring to some recent incidents of unruly behavior by a few participants, he appealed to all devotees to uphold the dignity of the Yatra and remember that true Shiva devotion lies in humility and inner transformation.
“The Kanwar Yatra is a sacred act of devotion, not a show of force. When the devotee is humble and composed, they truly awaken the Shiva within,” said the Chief Minister.
In his concluding message, CM Dhami said that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand not only welcomes devotees with open arms but also considers their service a divine privilege. He extended his heartfelt thanks to all who contribute to the success of the Yatra — including the police, administration, volunteers, doctors, sanitation workers, traders, saints, and public representatives — for coming together in harmony to manage one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
