Govt sets up 17 gates to welcome kanwariyas

The Delhi Government has made elaborate arrangements to welcome kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) entering the national capital as part of the annual Kanwar Yatra.

Seventeen welcome gates, similar to those at seen during Mahakumbh, have been set up at entry points across the city, symbolising the city’s spiritual and cultural commitment to the sacred journey.

Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, who inspected the pilgrim camps at the Apsara border in East Delhi on Wednesday, said this year’s preparations are “historic and unprecedented.” Seventeen welcome gates, 12 of which are named after the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, have been specially set up to greet the devotees as they make their way to Delhi.

“These gates are a reflection of our devotion and hospitality. The remaining five are also dedicated to Lord Shiva,” Mishra said.

The minister announced that 374 camps have been established across Delhi for pilgrims this year, more than double the 170 camps set up the previous year. These camps are equipped with food, water, medical support, sanitation services and resting areas for the devotees.

“The Delhi Government has ensured that all key services such as traffic control, sanitation, food, drinking water and emergency medical aid are in place,” Mishra added.

Highlighting the importance of safety and smooth conduct of the yatra, the minister said a multi-agency security plan had been put into place.

The minister said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by Cabinet ministers, will personally welcome the devotees on July 20 in a gesture aimed at reinforcing communal harmony and public participation in the annual pilgrimage.