Bringing Healthcare to Annual Kanwad Yatra
July 22, 2024
DSF is honored to participate in the Annual Kanwad Yatra service conducted by Parmarth Niketan.
Kanwad Yatra is a holy pilgrimage to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh. The mythological story of the temple says that after drinking the halahal poison emitted during Samudra Manthan, to protect the universe, Lord Shiva drank that poison and held it within his throat (turning it blue), so that the nectar of immortality could emerge for the welfare of all. Hence, pilgrims flock from across the nation to Neelkanth temple where he is said to have meditated.
During the Kanwad Yatra, pilgrims travel mostly barefoot to honor Lord Shiva. DSF under Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati ji have set up a free medical camp to offer healthcare services along with Global Interfaith WASH Alliance who work to provide essential services like drinking water, toilets, and raise awareness about the environment.
Today, Shri Suresh Kumar Khanna ji, Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh, visited Parmarth Niketan and motivated all the Rishikumars who volunteered at the camp. We hope our service helps the devotees in need and make their yatra comfortable and memorable. Sharing some photographs.
