New Delhi : Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra visited the Gauri Shankar Temple, situated in Chandni Chowk, this morning. During this visit, BJP MLA Poonam Bhardwaj also accompanied him. After visiting the temple, Mishra shared information on the Kanwar Yatra preparations in Delhi during an interaction with the media.
He said that Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken many significant decisions for this year's Kanwar Yatra. Mishra also lauded and congratulated BJP MLA Poonam Bhardwaj, who had participated in the Kanwar Yatra herself.
Mishra said, "This time, a unique arrangement has been made in Delhi. Last time, 170 camps were organised for devotees taking part in the Kanwar Yatra; this time, 374 camps are being organised. The Chief Minister has taken many significant decisions, such as providing direct assistance to the Kanwar camps, freeing electricity, and providing single-window clearance. We are seeing her influence, but what Poonam Bhardwaj has done today is truly worthy of salutation, and I congratulate her very much."
BJP MLA Poonam Bhardwaj said, " This was my first Kanwar Yatra, and I saw thousands of people carrying Kanwar, walking with the echoes of Mahadev... The UP government has implemented excellent programs, and our Delhi government has also made very good arrangements. Camps are organised everywhere, with food, water, and electricity arrangements in place. Additionally, they also provided the medical treatment."
On Wednesday, Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra inspected entry gates at 17 places in the city set up for the welcome of Kanwariyas.
Speaking to news agency, Mishra stated that the Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, would welcome the Kanwariyas arriving at the border of Delhi on July 20, further stating that the gates were named after the 12 Jyotirlingas and Lord Shiva.
"The Delhi government is ready to welcome the Kanwariyas... These gates have been built at 17 places and are named after the 12 Jyotirlingas and Lord Shiva... The Chief Minister will welcome the Kanwariyas in Delhi on July 20... Last time, 170 camps were set up in Delhi, while this time there are 374 camps, which demonstrates that the Chief Minister's plans have been widely accepted," Mishra told news agency.
On Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat regarding the Kanwar Yatra. Cabinet minister Ashish Sood and Kapil Mishra accompanied her during the meeting.
She stated that the officials have been given instructions to ensure no "shortcomings" in serving the "devotees" of Lord Shiva. Rekha Gupta highlighted that for the Delhi government, the Kanwar Yatra is an "opportunity" for "public service".
This year, the Kanwar Yatra began on July 10. During the annual pilgrimage, Kanwariyas collect holy water from rivers and carry it over hundreds of kilometres to offer it at Lord Shiva temples. Devotees across the country observe fasts, perform rituals, and undertake the Yatra as a mark of devotion.