[HPI note: Kanwariyas are those who undertake the Kanwar Yatra. The Kanvar Yatra or Kavad Yatra is annual pilgrimage of devotees of Siva to Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand, to fetch holy waters of Ganges River which is later offered at their local Shiva temples. The Yatra takes place during the sacred month of Shravan (July/August), according to the Hindu calendar. (from Wikipedia)]
INDIA, July 18, 2011 (Times of India): The police force was deployed on Sunday to ensure a safe journey for kanwariyas. Officials said in the past 24 hours, over 10,000 kanwariyas left for Varanasi after collecting the Gangajal from the Sangam. They said the number of kanwariyas will increase in the coming days and more arrangements will be made for them.
Special arrangements are made for Kanwariyas travelling in trains between Allahabad and Varanasi. Kanwariyas are also heading towards Devdhar, Arial and Parila Mahadeo to offer water to Lord Shiva.