Prayagraj: Ahead of the commencement of the holy month of Shrawan on July 30, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad has issued an advisory for kanwariyas, urging them to exercise caution while purchasing food and beverages along the routes. The body has advised devotees to eat only at establishments displaying pictures or idols of Hindu deities and to verify the identity of shopkeepers before making purchases.Akhara Parishad president and Mansa Devi Temple Trust chief Mahant Ravindra Puri has also advised pilgrims to make online payments before purchasing food and verify the name displayed in the payment account. According to him, devotees should satisfy themselves about an establishment before consuming food during the pilgrimage.He urged state govts and local administrations to ensure transparency by displaying the names and identity details of shop operators along kanwar routes.Expressing concern over what he described as attempts to mislead devotees, Puri alleged that some establishments operate under names associated with Sanatan traditions despite being run by people of other faiths. He urged kanwariyas to remain vigilant and avoid being misled during the holy month.The Akhara Parishad chief also appealed to saints, temples and Sanatan organisations along the kanwar routes to organise community kitchens (bhandaras) throughout Shrawan so that pilgrims can receive free food and drinking water during their journey.Puri suggested that the Aadhaar details of shop owners, after due verification, be displayed prominently at the entrance of establishments so devotees are aware of the identity of those operating the outlets.
