Meerut:The popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath can be seen at the 'Kanwar Yatra' this year, as devotees are seen wearing T-shirts with images of the leaders imprinted on them.
"The T-shirts having Modi and Yogi pictures on it are much in demand during this Kanwar Yarta. The people carrying 'Kanwar' are demanding the T-shirts with pictures of Modi ji and Yogi ji," Shyam Babu, a trader in Lal Kurti area of the city, said on Tuesday.
This was the first Monday of the holy month of Sharvan, which is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, and hundred of youths, who thronged the Shiv temples in the city, were seen wearing these T-shirts.
The Chief Minister has allowed DJ during the 'Yatra' and has asked the officials to make preparations of Kanwar Yatra on the lines of 'Kumbh Mela'.The holy pilgrimage started on July 17 and will end in next month.
The CM had directed the authorities to make all arrangements for the smooth conduct of the 'Yatra'.
Mr Adityanath has instructed the officials to shower flower petals from helicopter on devotees. The government has been trying to keep the miscreants and other anti-social aliments in-check as they have asked the officials to monitor the crowded areas with the CCTV cameras during the 'Yatra'.
He said that DJs will not be banned during the Yatra but they should only play bhajans (hymns).
Since this year Bakreed and last Monday of Kanwar Yatra will be on same day, on August 12, the Chief Minister has instructed the officials to have proper security arrangements.
During a review meeting in the state capital on July 3, Mr Adityanath directed the districts to ensure proper security and safety measures for the devotees.
The CM has also asked the police to have affable attitude towards the devotees. "Special security measures should be taken. Maintain the dignity of Kanvar Yatra and devotees, ensure the cleanliness of the area, counsel police staff to behave with devotees in a friendly manner, ensure safety and security of women during yatra. All the arrangements should be made on the lines of Kumbh," the Chief Minister instructed.Mr Adityanath also instructed the officials to identify Shiv temples of their areas and ensure cleanliness at the temples.(UNI)