The annual Kanwar Yatra has gained momentum, with lakhs of Kanwariyas travelling along the GT Road and other major routes after collecting holy Ganga water from Haridwar. The devotees are carrying the sacred water to their respective villages and towns, where they will offer it at Shiva temples on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

Thousands of temporary stalls have been set up along the pilgrimage routes to cater to the needs of the devotees. The stalls are offering food, drinking water, medical assistance, religious items and other essential supplies to the pilgrims undertaking the arduous journey on foot.

Kanwariyas from Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and several other states are participating in the pilgrimage. The highways of western Uttar Pradesh have turned saffron as groups of devotees, carrying elaborately decorated kanwars, move towards their destinations while chanting hymns and slogans in praise of Lord Shiva.

The large-scale pilgrimage has also provided a boost to local businesses, with vendors witnessing brisk sales of religious articles, refreshments, clothing and other essentials.

Authorities have stepped up security and traffic arrangements along the major routes to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims and regular commuters as the number of Kanwariyas continues to rise.