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In view of the Kanwar Yatra, the Hapur administration in Uttar Pradesh has declared a holiday for all government and private schools for 8 days from July 26 to August 2.
Prerna Sharma, District Magistrate, Hapur said, "Till now diversion was ordered only for heavy vehicles. From July 26 light vehicles will also be diverted. From 26th July to 2nd August, all the government and private schools have been given holiday. This is done to ensure that nobody faces any issues while travelling. During this period all the government and public schools will remain closed." Devotees across the nation began their Kanwar Yatra on July 22, on the occasion of the first Monday of 'Sawan'. Many devotees thronged temples dedicated to Lord Shiva to offer their prayers and also took a holy dip in the Ganga to mark the first Monday of 'Sawan'. Devotees flock to temples, including the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, the Kali Paltan temple in Meerut, and the Jharkhandi Mahadev Temple in Gorakhpur, to offer their prayers. Haridwar saw an influx of pilgrims, prompting enhanced security arrangements. The area has been divided into 14 superzones, 35 zones, and 132 sectors for better management. This sacred month, typically falling between July and August, marks a period of worship, fasting, and pilgrimage dedicated to the deity of destruction and transformation. Sawan holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the month when Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), saving the universe from its toxic effects. Devotees undertake fasting and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. The cooling rains of Sawan symbolize Shiva's compassion and benevolence. During Sawan, devotees typically observe fasts on Mondays, known as Shravan Somvar, which are considered auspicious. The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples. (ANI)
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