New Delhi:
Ahead of the Kanwar Yatra, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered trimming of ‘gular’ or cluster fig trees. Devotees who participate in the Kanwar Yatra consider ‘Gular’ tree as inauspicious.
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has also directed the officials to make sure that the kanwariyas are not allowed to play ‘vulgar songs’ but only bhajans. “They will be allowed to play only bhajans and not film songs that are either vulgar or provocative,” CM Adityanath said.
“Loud and provocative DJs have often led to trouble so this time DJs per se may not be allowed or encouraged,” a police officer said.
Adityanath chaired a meeting to supervise arrangements for the annual pilgrimage, scheduled to begin from July 8. More than 3 crore devotees are expected to participate in the Kanwar Yatra.
This is the first time that a chief minister has supervised arrangements for the Kanwar Yatra, which takes place during the Shravan month of Hindu calendar.
Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party and Congress have criticised Adityanath for the move saying, "the UP chief minister is promoting superstition at a time when world is keeping its foot on the Mars and the Moon.”
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Pruning of ‘gular’ trees is first of its kind decision. “It’s surprising, for ‘gular’ is a medicinal plant and is even used during yagnas. May be the pruning order is due to the fact that gular is a dense and full tree with its branches almost touching the ground. May be the order is to ensure that the vessel filled with holy water doesn’t get damaged,” said Acharya Chintamani Joshi, principal of Meerut-based Sanskrit Degree College.
Adityanath has also directed the officials to meet the kanwariyas before the yatra commences to explain them the dos and don’ts during the pilgrimage.
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