By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Dehradun: The annual Kanwar Yatra, one of the world’s largest religious pilgrimages, has witnessed a massive turnout this year, with around 3.19 crore Kanwariyas returning homes from Haridwar after collecting holy Ganga water, officials said.
The pilgrimage commenced on July 30, coinciding with the beginning of the holy month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar. Millions of Lord Shiva devotees from different parts of the country descended on Haridwar to collect Ganga Jal, which they traditionally carry back to their hometowns and offer at Shiva temples.
According to officials, 3.19 crore Kanwariyas had returned by Saturday evening, reflecting the enormous scale of the annual pilgrimage. The devotees, popularly known as Kanwariyas, undertake the journey on foot, carrying decorated containers of Ganga water, often over hundreds of kilometres.
The pilgrimage has triggered extensive arrangements by the Uttarakhand administration and police authorities to manage the unprecedented movement of devotees. Special traffic plans, medical facilities, drinking-water points, shelters and security arrangements have been put in place along the Kanwar routes.
The huge influx has also resulted in extensive traffic restrictions and diversions in Haridwar and adjoining areas as authorities seek to keep the movement of Kanwariyas separate from regular vehicular traffic.
The Kanwar Yatra holds immense religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. After collecting Ganga water, Kanwariyas traditionally return to their respective places and perform Jalabhishek of Shiva lingams during Shravan, seeking blessings and fulfilling religious vows.
With the pilgrimage continuing through the Shravan period, authorities remain on alert to manage the movement of devotees and ensure their safe return.
The scale of this year’s pilgrimage once again highlights the extraordinary religious and logistical significance of Haridwar, which becomes a major centre of faith during the annual Kanwar season.