● CM Pushkar Singh Dhami accords grand welcome to Kanwariyas; honors police personnel for outstanding service
● Over 48,000 pilgrims treated in free health camps set up along the Kanwar route
● Takes a sharp swipe at MP Pappu Yadav for ‘defaming saints in Parliament’
● Orders strict inspection against food adulteration at dhabas; appeals for discipline during Yatra
Haridwar: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived in Haridwar on Tuesday and accorded a grand welcome to Shiva devotees participating in the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. CM Dhami showered flower petals from a helicopter onto the Yatra route, evoking enthusiastic chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ from thousands of pilgrims.
Following the aerial floral tribute, CM Dhami met the Kanwariyas on the ground and washed their feet as a gesture of reverence, praying for their safe and successful pilgrimage. He later inaugurated a community feast (bhandara) organized for devotees at Hotel Alaknanda and honored police personnel for their commendable service during the mela.
Prominent dignitaries present at the event included Haridwar Mayor Kiran Jaisal, Cabinet Minister Madan Kaushik, Ranipur MLA Aadesh Chauhan, senior administrative officers, and BJP workers.
Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami said, “Kanwariyas embody Lord Shiva Himself, and serving them gives us the opportunity to serve Mahadeva. I have had the privilege of serving Shiva devotees for the last five years.”
Highlighting the health arrangements, the CM revealed that over 48,000 Kanwariyas have received medical treatment at health camps set up along the route so far.
“Lord Shiva is truly compassionate—he relieves his devotees of all troubles with just a vessel of water. Kanwar Yatra is not just a festival of faith, but a celebration of service and devotion. So far this year, over one crore Shiva devotees have returned to their destinations with sacred Gangajal.”— Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand
Underlining cultural and infrastructure achievements, CM Dhami stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, historical projects like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and the Ayodhya Ram Temple have been realized. He pointed out that post-2013 disaster, Kedarnath Dham was grandly reconstructed with an ‘Aastha Path’ and a statue of Adi Shankaracharya. He added that work on the Badrinath Master Plan is underway, while the Haridwar Ganga Corridor and Sharda Corridor are proving to be milestones for Sanatan heritage.
Taking a direct swipe at MP Pappu Yadav, CM Dhami alleged, “Pappu Yadav and his associates have attempted to defame our revered saints in Parliament. They harbor a low mindset towards Sanatan Dharma and create obstacles in the path of faith. Nevertheless, I pray to Maa Ganga to bestow wisdom (sadbuddhi) upon Pappu Yadav and his colleagues.”
Addressing safety and administrative measures, CM Dhami stated that strict inspections are being conducted at roadside hotels and dhabas to ensure no adulterated food is served to pilgrims. Water ambulances have also been deployed for emergency rescue.
Referring to a few isolated incidents of indiscipline, the Chief Minister appealed to all Shiva devotees to adhere to rules, follow administrative guidelines, and complete their Yatra with discipline. He also humbly sought forgiveness from the devotees for any minor administrative shortcomings.
