In Uttar Pradesh devotees thronged this morning at temples to offer their worship to lord Shiva and on the banks of rivers to take holy dip.
Today is first Monday of Hindu month of Shrawan which is considered very auspicious for believers in Hindu mythology.
As per information received, pilgrims are gathered in large numbers at temples at Ayodhya, Allahabad, Varanasi, Mathura, Chitrakoot and Naimisharanya in Sitapur to worship the lord Shiva. Kanwar pilgrimage has also started from today in different parts of the State.
The government has issued a series of strict guidelines for the safe passage of the Kanwar pilgrimage in which pilgrims walk barefoot with pitchers of the holy Ganga water from different places including Allahabad, Garhmukteshwar, Haridwar and Ayodhya to Shiva temples in their native towns and villages.
Scores of pilgrims are gathered at Varanasi to offer their worship to Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Devotees have been asked not to play any song that was offensive to other religions and communities and use of DJ’s has been completely banned.
They have also been advised to carry valid ID cards including voter cards, driving license or Aadhar to ascertain their identity during routine checking. This has been done to prevent any terror threats. Security forces have been put on high alert across the State. Drones have also been deployed to keep the Kanwar Yatra in focus.
Additional traffic constables have been deployed at different National Highways and State Highways to ensure smooth traffic in view of Kanwar pilgrimage.
