Schools in Haridwar will be closed for a week from July 27th to August 2nd due to the large influx of devotees participating in the Kanwar Yatra. The decision was made to ensure the safety and manage the crowds during the religious pilgrimage. The Kanwar Yatra, which began on Monday, sees devotees from various states travel to collect Ganga water during the holy month of Sawan.
With the arrival of Sawan, a sacred month in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva, devotees across India thronged temples, took holy dips in rivers, and observed fasts to seek blessings from the deity. This article highlights the celebrations witnessed in various parts of the country on the first Monday of Sawan.
Thousands of devotees in Madurai participated in the traditional water-spraying ceremony for Lord Kallazhagar, who is believed to journey from Azhagarkoil to witness the marriage of his sister Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar. Young devotees dressed up as Lord Kallazhagar as he entered the Vaigai river and made his way to Ramarayar Mandapam. It is believed that spraying water on Lord Kallazhagar using goatskin water bags cools him down from the summer heat and is a form of service for the devotees. The festival also included music, dance, and ‘deeparadhana’ performed by women who distributed jaggery to devotees after lighting camphor in pots filled with jaggery.
The Masi streets of Madurai witnessed a massive gathering of devotees for the Masi Car Festival. Thousands flocked to witness the ornate cars of Lord Meenakshi Sundareswarar, adorned with elaborate decorations and vibrant colors. The festival procession featured enthusiastic devotees dressed as Lord Shiva, swaying in rhythm to the beats of traditional instruments. Despite the scorching sun, the festive atmosphere was further enhanced by the refreshing sounds of conch shells and udukkais, creating a truly immersive experience.
