Four kanwariyas have tragically lost their lives in separate incidents in Uttarakhand within a span of 48 hours. These incidents include one pilgrim dying from a heart attack while returning from the Gangotri shrine, another being found hanging in a tourist lodge at Devprayag, and two kanwariyas drowning in the upper Ganga canal in Haridwar.
Sami Singh Bhole, a 40-year-old kanwariya from Delhi, met his unfortunate demise due to a heart attack during his journey back from Gangotri on Friday. The pilgrim fell ill near the Sukki Top area and was immediately taken to a nearby health center. However, despite efforts to save him, he passed away at the Uttarkashi district hospital.
In a separate incident, the lifeless body of Sandeep Kumar Vats, a 38-year-old from Budh Vihar in Delhi, was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan in a tourist lodge at Devprayag. Vats had returned to Devprayag after feeling unwell during his trip to Kedarnath with two companions. Concern arose when he failed to open his room until the afternoon. The caretaker peered through the window, only to find Vat’s lifeless body hanging. Authorities suspect that Vats may have committed suicide, although investigations are still ongoing. His body has been handed over to his family following an autopsy.
Tragically, two kanwariyas, who remain unidentified at this time, drowned in the upper Ganga canal in Haridwar during the early hours of Saturday. One pilgrim jumped into the canal with his kanwar, prompting another kanwariya to attempt a rescue. This second individual, unfortunately, slipped and drowned as well. Efforts to locate their bodies have so far been unsuccessful. The reason behind the initial jump into the canal remains unclear, according to SHO Jahagir Ali of Kaliyar police station.
These incidents serve as a somber reminder of the risks associated with religious pilgrimages, particularly during the busy Kanwar Yatra season. The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage in which devotees of Lord Shiva, known as kanwariyas, travel to holy shrines to collect water from the Ganga River. While the majority of pilgrims participate safely, these unfortunate incidents highlight the importance of maintaining caution and ensuring personal safety during such journeys. Authorities and organizers must continue to prioritize the implementation of safety measures and the dissemination of information regarding potential risks.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the deceased kanwariyas during this difficult time. It is hoped that investigations into these incidents will bring clarity and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
