Muzaffarpur: Flowers were showered from a helicopter on Kanwariyas at several points in Muzaffarpur on the Monday of the Kanwar Yatra, marking the first such arrangement in the district.
The aerial flower shower, organised following a state government decision, was initially scheduled for 7am. However, poor weather and overcast skies delayed the operation.
The flower shower began at around 8.30am near Harisabha Chowk, Ramdayalu, Baba Garibnath Temple, Sahu Pokhar and the District School.
City Echoes With Shiva Chants
The event drew attention from Kanwariyas walking along the route as well as residents watching from rooftops. The city resonated with chants of ‘Har-Har Mahadev’ as devotees continued their journey towards Baba Garibnath Dham.
The aerial shower coincided with the movement of Kanwariyas carrying holy water for Jalabhishek at the Baba Garibnath Temple.
Decades-Old Jalabhishek Tradition
The tradition of collecting holy water from Paleja Ghat and offering it at Baba Garibnath Temple has continued for decades.
The district administration, government departments and volunteer groups have traditionally arranged facilities and services for Kanwariyas during the annual pilgrimage.
The helicopter flower shower was a new addition to these arrangements this year. The district administration had also informed pilgrims about the programme through public address systems along the Kanwar route.
Helicopter-based flower showers for Kanwariyas have been organised for several years in states such as Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The Muzaffarpur event marked the first such aerial flower shower for Kanwariyas in Bihar, according to the information provided by the district administration.
