Record number of pilgrims recorded in Haridwar: 44.3 million people took water from the Ganges

During the month of Sawan, the atmosphere of devotion to Bholenath reigns on the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Prayagraj, accompanied by loud shouts of 'Har Har Mahadeva'. On the Dashashwamedh Ghat, located in the Daraganj area of Sangam city, there is a complete immersion in the cult of Shiva. Huge masses of devotees flow towards the banks of the Ganga.

People of all ages—from small children to the elderly and youth—take a dip in the sacred Ganga to fill their kawads with holy water. Pilgrims approach the priests, the Tirthapurohits, performing rituals, and praying to the deity Bholenath for the well-being and prosperity of their families.

On the ghat, devotees are seen performing exercises to atone for sins before God while holding their hands. An atmosphere of reverence prevails, and the shouts of 'Bol Bam' and 'Har Har Mahadeva' fill the air with spirituality.

This year, two types of Kawadiyas stand out in the pilgrimage. Some, dressed in white attire, are called 'Daak Bam' Kawadiyas; they run non-stop to perform Jalabhishek (water pouring) in temples at designated times. Others, regular Kawadiyas, travel to various Shiva temples, singing hymns and performing dances to ask for peace, tranquility, and prosperity for their families.

The divine beauty of the month of Sawan has completely enveloped Prayagraj, attracting everyone with its amazing blend of faith, trust, and devotion. The Daraganj Ghat in the month of Sawan is colored with the hues of devotion. From bathing in the Ganga to preparing for the water offering to Bholenath, all pilgrims desire one thing—that the grace of Bolla Baba may be upon their entire family. This is why the echo of 'Bol Bam' and 'Har Har Mahadeva' can be heard everywhere in Prayagraj.

The final stage of the Savan Kawad Mela has begun in Haridwar, and the final phase of the Dak Kawad is also gaining momentum. Since Jalabishek for Lord Shiva will take place on August 11th, a large number of Dak Kawadiyas are arriving in Haridwar to collect water from the Ganges.

Currently, the streets of Haridwar are filled with a stream of Dak Kawadiyas, with a noticeable increase in the number of pilgrims arriving by motorcycle. The large gathering of Kawadiya motorcyclists at Shankaracharya Square has made traffic management a complex task for the police.

The situation at Shankaracharya Square is characterized by a dense concentration of pilgrims and vehicles. A significant number of Shiva followers are heading to Har Ki Pauri for sacred water, leading to congestion in the square and surrounding streets.

According to administration data, approximately three and a half million Kawadiyas have already collected water from the Ganges in Haridwar and proceeded to their final destinations. Nevertheless, the number of incoming pilgrims during the final stage of Dak Kawad continues to rise, with a significant portion being motorcyclists.

Dak Kawadiyas aim to obtain water from the Ganges and reach their destination quickly. The activity of pilgrims in Haridwar has intensified because they are preparing to perform the ritual bathing in Shiva temples in their respective regions on the day of Shivratri. This has led to an increase in the movement of vehicles and Kawadiyas along the city's main routes.

The situation at Shankaracharya Square indicates a significant increase in crowds during the final phase of Dak Kawad. A large number of Shiva followers are moving towards Har Ki Pauri to collect water from the Ganges before proceeding further.

Sishupal Singh Negi, head of the city police department, reported that the Dak Kawad Mela is underway, and the number of Kawadiyas arriving by motorcycle has significantly increased. Parking has been arranged for these vehicles. However, some people continue to drive into the city in their cars, causing chaos in traffic.

He specified that the police are continuously working to maintain law and order in traffic. Local residents were asked not to come to the city in private vehicles during this period, as it might be inconvenient for them due to the large crowd. According to the head of the city police department, the Kawad Yatra is proceeding normally. Diversion routes have been introduced to account for the flow of pilgrims in different areas, and police forces have been deployed to maintain order among the growing number of Shiva followers.

With the increase in Dak Kawadiyas during the final stage of Kawad, the pressure on Haridwar is mounting. Shankaracharya Square is a prime example of this situation, where a large number of Kawadiya motorcyclists are moving for water from the Ganges. These pilgrims will proceed to their destinations after collecting the water. Then, on August 11th, Jalabishek will be performed for Lord Bholenath in observance of Shivratri. Pilgrims are preparing to honor Lord Shiva and fulfill their faith by worshipping him with water from the Ganges.

The flow of Kawadiyas arriving in Haridwar in the last phase of Dak Kawad continues. Consequently, a further increase in the concentration of people on the city's streets is expected in the near future. The police have urged local residents to cooperate and avoid coming to crowded areas in private vehicles unless necessary.