Prayagraj: The safety and security of women have remained a key focus of the Uttar Pradesh govt, and nowhere is this more visible than during the ongoing kanwar yatra in the holy month of Shrawan. As an increasing number of women join the annual pilgrimage, authorities in Prayagraj have strengthened security and convenience measures, with dedicated women’s help desks, changing rooms, female police personnel, and disaster management volunteers deployed along the route and at major ghats to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey.The growing participation of women is reflected in the experience of devotees like Mira Devi from Sadiyapur, who has embarked on the yatra to Baijnath Dham in Jharkhand with eight family members after collecting holy water from Prayagraj. Three generations of her family are undertaking the pilgrimage together this year, including her two daughters-in-law, a daughter, three granddaughters, and son.Mira says there is no longer any sense of insecurity or inconvenience along the Kanwar routes, adding that rest camps for female devotees have been set up at various locations.Women are setting out on the pilgrimage with great enthusiasm, singing hymns and kirtans dedicated to Lord Shiva as they travel together.This Shrawan, special priority has been accorded to the safety and convenience of female devotees in view of their rising participation.Comprehensive security and logistical arrangements covering ghats, routes, and rest areas have been put in place for kanwariyas carrying holy water from the Sangam and other sacred rivers in Prayagraj to perform ‘Jalabhishek’ in Kashi.In line with the govt’s directives to ensure a safe, smooth, and successful kanwar yatra, arrangements have been made in Sangam City regarding the pilgrimage route, kanwar camps, community kitchens, and the overall safety and convenience of devotees. Observing the increasing number of women kanwariyas in Sangam City, the police administration has implemented special measures for them.A large number of women kanwariyas set out for Kashi after collecting holy water from the Dashashwamedh and Sangam ghats on Sunday.Prayagraj DM Manish Kumar Verma told TOI that changing rooms and women’s help desks have been set up for female devotees at the major ghats along the Sangam and the Ganga river. Squads of female police personnel have also been deployed at the ghats.Additionally, 44 Aapda Sakhis (disaster management volunteers) from the Livelihood Mission are on alert to assist women kanwariyas. Women police personnel and volunteers have also been stationed at key locations along the Kanwar route connecting Prayagraj and Varanasi. Women security personnel are deployed at all prominent Lord Shiv temples in the city, including Mankameshwar, Someshwar Mahadev, Padila Mahadev, and Brahmeshwar Mahadev.Just as long queues of women once formed at Shiv temples during the holy month of Shrawan to offer prayers, their participation is now equally evident in the yatra. Large numbers of female devotees are stepping out of their homes in small towns and villages to undertake the pilgrimage.Nidhi, who set out for Kashi with holy water collected from the Ganga at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Daraganj, Prayagraj, says women now feel safe along the route and face no fear. Consequently, many women from Bharwari are participating in the yatra.
