Security increased in Haridwar ahead of 'Shravan' pilgrimage

In view of the recent blasts in Mumbai and heavy inflow of pilgrims during auspicious Shravan month of the Hindu calendar, security in the holy city of Haridwar has been increased.

Thousands of pilgrims from across India have started converging at the banks of River Ganga here for the annual pilgrimage, beginning tomorrow.

The district administration has deployed a large number of police personnel, including some in white clothes, at locations like Chandighat and Premnagar, where heavy rush of kanwarias (pilgrims) are expected, officials said.

On major roads, connecting Haridwar with other major cities, vehicular traffic has either been fully suspended or partially suspended, seeing the rush of bare feet pilgrims.

A senior police official said in the wake of Mumbai blasts, strict security vigilance is being maintained and kanwarias have been barred from bringing articles like tridents and hockey sticks.