Bilal Ansari carries on tradition of serving pilgrims during Kanwar Yatra

Story by ATV | Posted by Aasha Khosa | Date 01-08-2024

Bilal Ansari with Pilgrims

Imran Khan/New Delhi

Mohammad Bilal Ansari led Aman Committee at Ghazipur, on the border of Uttar Pradesh has made arrangements for the Hindus to undertake an arduous pilgrimage mostly from Haridwar in Uttarakhand, where the Ganga flows to the Shiva temples in their respective localities, to breaking their journey.

Bilal Ansari, a resident told Awaz-the Voice, "My late father Sagir Ansari started organizing kanwar camps about 20 years ago and I am continuing the tradition."

Kanwar pilgrimage is a month-long campaign during the month of Sawan when the devout of all ages go to the Rivers, preferably the Ganga, and bring its waters to offer to the Shiva Temple.

Pilgrims charging their phone at the gazipur Kanwar camp

The pilgrimage mandates the devout to walk barefoot and not keep the urn (Kanwar) on the soil till it reaches the designated temple. It means that pilgrims of all ages have to walk long distances – from Haridwar to Delhi it’s 271 km - and they would need a resting place to break their journey; racks or holders to keep the kanwar containing gangajal (water of Ganga) and also if possible medical aid and food.

The Aman Committee has set up a large canopy of tarpaulin in East Delhi on National Highway no 24 where all these facilities are offered to themThis Aman committee formed by Sagir Ansari about 20 years ago has 50 members of different religions. The members raise money for setting up the camp eventually helping to build social peace and brotherhood from their resources.

The camp offers services like mobile charging, fan, cooler, bedding, washing, and food service.

The organizers work closely with the Ghazipur police station of Delhi Police. Delhi Police has also appreciated the work of the committee and awarded it three times.Bilal Ansari heads the committee, Sunil Chauhan is its vice-president, and K.P. Singh the general secretary. These people look after the official work of the committee, while other members oversee various tasks.

Kanwars kept on stands in a row at the Ghazipur

Yug, a resident of Sarita Vihar, said that he was happy to see the help given by the Muslim community. "This will boost Hindu-Muslim brotherhood," he said.

Sundar Lal, who was carrying Kawar from Haridwar to Palwal, Haryana, said, "We are getting every facility in this camp. There are fans, coolers, electricity, and comfortable beds for a night stay. Food is being provided at night and breakfast in the morning."

Raj, a resident of Faridabad, Haryana, said, "This time Muslim brothers have helped the Kavadis a lot. At many places, Muslim brothers were giving water and at some places, they were distributing sherbet."

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Seeing the arrangements made by Bilal Ansari in Delhi, he said, "Seeing this, it seems that there is still love among the people, which is very important."