The rush of Kanwariyas is at its peak in the holy city. Even in the Panchak period when most Kanwariyas do not undertake pilgrimage, there is unceasing flow on the highway and Kanwar Patri Marg (canal route). The streets leading to the main sanctum sanctorum are resounding with slogans of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and so is the Kanwar Patri Marg traversed by the kanwariyas carrying holy water in cans, heading back to their destination.
An estimated number of 50 lakh pilgrims have returned to their home city Shivalayas say the officials. Intermittent heavy showers during past two days have failed to dampen the spirit of the Kanwariyas who travel with ringing trinklets tied to their feet and staff in their hands and Shiva's name on their tongues.
Going against the past observations that the kanwar pilgrimage which began on 20 July will see some lean period during the five days from Friday, July 22 because Panchak period had started lasting till 27, this time the rush is increasing with each passing day.
Panchak is a period of five nakshatras (constellations) Dhanista, Shatbhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati considered inauspicious for worships and making purchases for home. Most of the Kanwariyas avoid the pilgrimage during this period, stay in dharamshalas and observe one meal a day. The panchak period is spent in chanting lord Shiva’s name.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Senior Superintendent of Police Rajeev Swaroop said, “The number of pilgrims is expected to rise this year and break the existing records. Till now on sixth day, nearly 50 lakhs have returned to their homes after taking holy water from the ganga at Har Ki Pauri. Dak kanwar is yet to begin which sees phenomenal numbers on bikes and trucks. The panchak period did not have any effect on the movement of the Kanwariyas”.
In spite of several meetings with interstate police departments and regular broadcasting through media by the police that no kanwar higher than 6 feet shall be allowed on canal route, Kanwariyas are breaking the rules; and the authorities are silent over the issue.
Big is the buzz word and there is a competition amongst the pilgrims in showing the biggest kanwars. On Sunday a kanwar as high as 20 feet was spotted on the national highway which is posing a challenge to the officials of Urjaa Nigam. The Nigam officials have demanded action through a letter to the Joint magistrate to put a check on these kanwars.
Speaking to The Pioneer, SDO Roorkee Rahul Chandna said, “At many places the height of the electricity cables on Kanwar Patri marg is 20 ft. We received complaints of electricity disruption and the fault was repaired. Urjaa nigam officials have demanded a check on such big kanwars and the matter is also put up before the district police. When asked SSP Rajeev Swaroop said, “At places where the Kanwar has to pass through railway underbridge, there is a problem with big kanwar. Kanwars are generally 6 feet high but the vehicles on highway with big exhibits are posing problem. We are regulating the vehicles on highway with bigger forms. Only half part of the highway is closed for Kanwar, on another half, the traffic is resuming at normal place. Till now no diversions have been required for the traffic to pass through.”