Kanwar Fair Concludes with Devotees Flocking to Lord Shiv Temples

The Kanwar fair ended after nearly two weeks with a large gathering of devotees performing 'jalabhishek' in Lord Shiv temples on the occasion of Shiv Chaturdashi. Significant activities took place at Daksheshwar Mahadev temple, where Lord Shiva is believed to stay during Shravan. Officials reported attendance of about 4.5 crore kanwariyas.

The nearly fortnight-long Kanwar fair concluded on Friday as a massive crowd of devotees visited Lord Shiv temples throughout the city to perform 'jalabhishek' on Shiv Chaturdashi.

Devotees offered holy Ganga water at Daksheshwar Mahadev temple in Kankhal, considered Lord Shiva's in-laws' house. The deity is believed to stay there for a month during Shravan.

Reports suggest that Lord Shiv fulfills devotees' wishes when anointed with milk, honey, 'bel patra,' and Ganga water on this sacred occasion. Approximately 4.5 crore kanwariyas reached Haridwar during this year's Kanwar fair to collect Ganga water.

Officials such as Haridwar District Magistrate Dheeraj Garbyal and Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobhal also participated in 'jalabhishek' at Daksheshwar Mahadev temple, marking the end of the 14-day yatra.