Muzaffarnagar: The Delhi-Haridwar NH 58 highway has come alive with the chants of ‘Bum Bum Bhole’ in reverence of Lord Shiva. Winds of change are blowing across the small town of Muzaffarnagar with the Muslim community going out of their way and voluntarily helping the Haridwar pilgrims, also known as ‘Kaavarias’. The ‘Kanvar Yatra’ is an annual pilgrimage of Shiva devotees, known as Kanvarias, to Hindu pilgrimage places of Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand to fetch holy waters of Ganges River. This pious water is transported by foot to the individual’s hometown and offered at their local Shiva temples. Muslims residing in Muzaffaragar have shown immense dedication to help out these pilgrims. Some of them have even taken a leave from their own jobs to put up tents for serving the travelling pilgrims. This effort was noticed by the Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General, Diljeet Singh, and he himself arrived at the camps along with other officials to applaud their benevolent act. Moved by this gesture, the officials also participated in distribution of food to the pilgrims. The pilgrims are also showering praises on the local Muslim community for their efforts.The camps set up for the ‘Kanvarias’ serve essentials such as food and drinks for refreshment and provide basic facilities of washrooms and first-aid as well. This prevailing sense of brotherhood has made it easy for the police force to overlook the security arrangements in the area.
—ANI