A 251-foot-long Tricolour-themed Kanwar has become one of the biggest attractions during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra in Haridwar. The unique Kanwar is being carried by a group of devotees from Haridwar to Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh, reflecting both devotion to Lord Shiva and love for the nation.
Around 12 Kanwariyas collected holy Ganga water from Har Ki Pauri before setting off on their journey with the massive Tricolour Kanwar. Besides attracting attention, the group used the occasion to spread awareness among youngsters about staying away from drugs.
As thousands of Kanwariyas continue to arrive in Haridwar from different states, colourful Kanwars and religious displays are adding to the festive atmosphere. The devotees from Baghpat said their Tricolour Kanwar is a tribute to the country's pride and to the sacrifices made by India's martyrs.
The group also appealed to people to stay united and not fall prey to divisive forces. They urged young people to avoid substance abuse and requested fellow Kanwariyas to maintain peace, discipline and respect throughout the pilgrimage.
Devotee Harender Kumar said the Kanwar is 251 feet long and over 11 feet high. The group belongs to Kurdi village in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district and will cover nearly 200 km during the yatra. He said they received excellent support from Uttarakhand Police, local residents and Shiva devotees all along the route, making the journey smooth and memorable.
Another devotee, Deepak Chaudhary, said the Tricolour carries a strong message for the country's youth. He said while every Kanwariya deserves respect, the group was concerned after seeing some people consuming drugs and alcohol during the yatra. He expressed hope that the Tricolour Kanwar would inspire positive values among young people. Deepak added that around 20 devotees and five to six helpers are part of the journey from Haridwar to Baghpat. While they have received support from many people, they sometimes face difficulties while halting in cities and alleged that they have occasionally been harassed by the police.