Haridwar, August 4, 2026 — In a heartfelt gesture of reverence and service, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday welcomed thousands of Kanwariyas arriving in the holy city of Haridwar for the annual Kanwar Yatra. Showering flower petals from a helicopter and personally washing the feet of five Shiva devotees, the Chief Minister expressed the state’s deep respect for the pilgrims who carry the sacred Ganga water with unwavering faith.
CM Dhami also inaugurated the Chief Minister’s Health Service Camp at the Alaknanda Hotel premises and reviewed the medical arrangements made for the devotees. He spent time interacting with Kanwariyas from various states and served them food, embodying the spirit of seva that defines this sacred journey.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the Uttarakhand Government is fully committed to ensuring that every Shiva devotee visiting Devbhoomi experiences a safe, comfortable, and respectful pilgrimage. “The Kanwar Yatra is not merely a religious event,” he remarked, “but a grand celebration of India’s Sanatan traditions, social harmony, and spiritual consciousness.”
Highlighting the scale of devotion this year, CM Dhami shared that more than one crore Kanwariyas have already collected holy Ganga water and continued their journey towards their destinations. He described Lord Shiva as the eternal source of faith, strength, and devotion for millions, noting how devotees, despite challenging conditions, walk hundreds of kilometres chanting “Bam Bam Bhole.”
The Chief Minister emphasised that the safety and well-being of pilgrims remain the government’s highest priority. Comprehensive arrangements including CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, ambulance services, health camps, and emergency response systems have been put in place along the pilgrimage routes. He appealed to all devotees to maintain discipline, uphold the sanctity of the yatra, and respect religious traditions throughout their journey.
Appreciating the tireless efforts of police personnel, district administration, health workers, sanitation staff, environmental volunteers, NGOs, and all those engaged in service, CM Dhami honoured five police personnel and five Paryavaran Mitras for their outstanding contribution. He said such recognition reflects the state’s gratitude to the frontline workers who serve day and night to ensure security, cleanliness, and care for the millions of devotees.
The Chief Minister also recalled the transformation of sacred sites under national efforts, including the reconstruction of Kedarnath Dham after the 2013 disaster, and spoke of future projects such as the Ganga Corridor in Haridwar that will further strengthen spiritual tourism in the state.
In a separate message on the occasion of Shravan, CM Dhami highlighted the spiritual importance of Binsar Mahadev Temple in Ranikhet, nestled amidst dense deodar forests, inviting devotees to seek darshan and experience both divine grace and the serene beauty of nature during this sacred month.
As the saffron wave of Kanwariyas continues to flow through Haridwar, the message from Devbhoomi remains clear: faith, service, and collective devotion continue to illuminate the path of the Kanwar Yatra.
