Hisar/Panipat, Haryana: Haryana witnessed a tragic Shivratri as seven Kanwariyas lost their lives in five separate incidents across the state. The deaths, reported between Monday night and Tuesday morning, were linked to road accidents, electrocution and sudden health complications.
While thousands of devotees across Haryana and neighbouring states were observing Shivratri and undertaking Kanwar pilgrimages, several families were left mourning the loss of their loved ones.
The victims reportedly included a mother and her son from Yamunanagar, an Army personnel and other Kanwariyas from Hisar, Panipat, Rohtak and Kurukshetra.
Seven Kanwariyas Die in Five Incidents
According to the information available, one death was reported each from Hisar, Panipat, Rohtak and Kurukshetra, while two Kanwariyas—a mother and her son—died in Yamunanagar.
The incidents occurred at different locations and under separate circumstances. Some devotees reportedly died in road accidents, while another lost his life after an electric shock.
In another tragic case, a Kanwariya who had stopped to rest at a temporary camp reportedly went to sleep and did not wake up.
The deaths cast a shadow over Shivratri celebrations in several parts of Haryana.
Kanwariya Dies After Resting at Camp
One of the most distressing incidents involved a Kanwariya who had reached a temporary camp after travelling and stopped to rest.
According to available information, the devotee went to sleep but was later found unresponsive.
The exact cause of death would depend on medical examination and post-mortem findings. Physically demanding pilgrimages can place additional strain on devotees, particularly when they involve long-distance travel, exhaustion and exposure to difficult weather conditions.
Mother and Son Among Victims in Yamunanagar
Yamunanagar witnessed another tragedy in which a mother and her son, both reportedly travelling as Kanwariyas, lost their lives.
Their deaths left relatives and fellow devotees shocked and turned what was intended to be a religious journey into a devastating loss for the family.
The incident was one of five separate cases reported across Haryana during the Shivratri period.
Road Accidents Claim Lives
Road accidents were also among the causes of deaths reported during the pilgrimage.
The annual Kanwar Yatra involves large numbers of devotees travelling on foot as well as in vehicles. The increased movement of pedestrians and vehicles along pilgrimage routes can create significant traffic-related risks.
Crowded roads, temporary diversions and late-night or early-morning travel can further increase the possibility of accidents.
The deaths reported in Haryana highlight the importance of strict traffic management, adequate lighting, route planning and safety arrangements along roads used by Kanwariyas.
Electrocution Reported as Another Cause
Another Kanwariya reportedly died after coming into contact with an electrical source.
Electrocution can pose a serious risk at temporary camps and roadside facilities, particularly where electrical wires, generators, lighting systems or other installations are not properly secured.
During large religious gatherings, temporary electrical arrangements are often installed at camps and rest points. Ensuring that these systems are safely installed and regularly inspected is essential to prevent accidents.
Shivratri Pilgrimage Turns Tragic for Families
Mahashivratri is an important festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, and thousands of devotees undertake Kanwar journeys as part of their religious observance.
For the seven families affected in Haryana, however, the pilgrimage ended in tragedy.
The incidents occurred at different locations and involved different circumstances rather than a single accident. However, their occurrence within a short period has raised concerns about the safety of devotees undertaking long and physically demanding journeys.
Authorities and organisers typically arrange traffic management, medical assistance, resting camps and security measures during the Kanwar season. The latest incidents underline the importance of maintaining these arrangements effectively throughout the pilgrimage.
The deaths of seven Kanwariyas, including a mother and her son and an Army personnel, have cast a pall of mourning over Haryana’s Shivratri celebrations. A journey undertaken with faith and devotion has instead brought immense grief to several families across the state.
