Govt prioritises safety, ‘aapda sakhis' to assist kanwariyas
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Additionally, changing rooms have been set up on the ghats, and 44 'aapda sakhis' have been enlisted to provide further support to the women devotees.
This year, women from Prayagraj and nearby districts, both married and unmarried, are joining men in the Kanwar Yatra, chanting sacred mantras like 'Shiva Mool Mantra', 'Rudraastak Stotram' and 'Shiv Shankar Stotra'. Together, they're covering the long distance to offer 'Jalabhishek' at revered sites like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Baijnath Dham and Pahila Mahadev.
Driven by devotion, women kanwariyas enthusiastically participate in the journey, inviting others to join them during the Shrawan month.
After collecting holy water from Sangam, they walk barefoot, carrying decorated kanwars, to offer 'Jalabhishek' to Lord Shiva.
Most women kanwariyas flocking to Ganga ghats hail from small towns and villages. They embark on a journey of over 120km, often walking barefoot, either with family or solo, to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Authorities have noted an increase in women Kanwariyas traveling from distant villages to fetch holy water from Sangam.
Women devotees assert their ability to participate equally in Kanwar Yatra rituals, carrying kanwars on their shoulders alongside men. Aradhana, a kanwariya, shares that many women have been doing this for years, with more expected to join. Rupali, another devotee, credits her family's encouragement for inspiring her to take part in the journey this year.
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Savitri, a woman kanwariya, says, "Since the govt has made elaborate arrangements and turned the entire route safe for us, more women are joining the Kanwar Yatra."
Manju, who arrived at Daraganj ghat along with her two sons and mother, says, "After her wish was fulfilled, she decided to go on the kanwar Yatra." She said her family would be taking rest at an assist booth on the way to Varanasi and reaching Kashi within six hours.
Monday saw a surge of devotees on the Ganga banks as kanwariyas from various states and districts arrived to collect the holy water. Police noted a significant increase in the number of women kanwariyas compared to last year. The kanwariyas believe that chanting 'Bol Bam' and 'Har Har Mahadev' brings peace, energy, and absolves sins.
Religious scholar Amitabh Gour says, "It's a matter of faith and devotion. Both men and women become kanwariyas as they are well aware of the mythological significance of 'Jalabhishek' during the holy month of Shrawan."
The Uttar Pradesh govt, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, has prioritised women's safety in its arrangements for the Kanwar Yatra this year. In a first, over 10,000 women police personnel, including 8,541 head constables and 1,486 sub-inspectors, have been deployed along the route, forming nearly 15% of the total force on the direction of CM Yogi.
In a recent high-level review meeting, officials informed the CM that around 6 crore devotees, including an estimated 60–70 lakh women, are expected to take part in the yatra.
In response, CM Yogi directed the implementation of a women-centric security model.
As part of this model, female constables have been stationed at all women's help desks to assist and counsel devotees in sensitive situations. Additionally, Shakti Help Booths, in collaboration with women's voluntary organisations, are being set up in several districts to support women pilgrims.
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