ALLAHABAD: Apart from UP, devotees of Lord Shiva from other states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar , Jharkhand etc are marching towards Kashi Vishwanath temple after taking holy water from Ganga (prayag). The devotees while chanting Shiva mantra and Shiv Tandav Stotram have one and only mission to offer Jalabhishek to please their God at the ongoing Shravan month.Its all about faith and devotion that brought scores of kanwariyas from other states to sangam to take holy water. " It not only Magh Mela, Kumbh or Ardh Kumbh that assembly people from across the globe, lord Shiva devotees every year come here from far flung states to take Ganga water and move towards Kashi Vishwanath for jalabhishek" said priest AK Mishra adding " the strength of kanwariyas would be increasing every passing day " he added.Nitin along with his seven group members from Katni (Madhya pradesh) on Thursday arrived Dashaswamegha ghat to collect holy Ganga water before starting barefoot journey towards Kashi dham. Nitin says " this was the first time when he along with his friends decided to become kanwariyas and take part in all rituals associated with the holy month of Shrawan". He further added " his group has seven members, all aged between 20 and 26 years have devotion to offer prayers to Lord Shiva at Varanasi and keep on marching ahead with devotion".Apart from Nitin, Balak Ram and his family members from Sasaram (Bihar) have too arrived ghat to collect holy water frok Ganga. All the four members of family are carrying decorated kanwars and claimed to have arrived here barefoot from their village." Scores of people from our village arrive Sangam every year to participate in kanwar yatra as Sangam holds a significance in our religious books" said Balak Ram adding " we are supported by locals in terms of potable water and eatables and people here too take care when we walk along with them chanting Bol Bam" he added."For the last two years, Manoj Awasthi and his younger brother from Reewa have been carrying kawars on their shoulders and offer 'jalabhishek' to Lord Shiva," said Manoj adding " we prefer to walk in groups and even remain in touch our family and friends till our journey gets end" he added.On Thursday, the Dashashwamedh Ghat at Daraganj wore a crowded look with thousands of kanwariays from different parts of the state as well as neighbouring state arrived to take Ganga water before starting their journey to Kashi Vishwanath, Padila Mahadeo and Baijnath Dham Seeing the sea of devotees (kanwariyas) the daraganj police were also on their toes to manage crowd and regulating them. The cops were also appealing kanwariyas not to enter into deep water and helping out those who need help.Officials at Daraganj police station told TOI "the strength of kanwariyas has increased manifold after the second somvar and kanwariyas are arriving in groups round the clock to take Ganga water. Srtict vigil is being maintained in and around ghat areas."

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