Haridwar, Feb. 15 -- The Shardiya Kanwar Yatra began today in the holy city of Haridwar, marking the start of the grand annual pilgrimage that attracts thousands of Lord Shiva devotees.

The yatra, which runs from February 15 to February 26, culminates on Maha Shivratri, when devotees, known as Kanwariyas, travel to fetch holy Ganga water from Har Ki Pauri. The water is then returned to their local Lord Shiva temples, used to anoint Lord Shiva during the festival.

Amidst the chants of "Bol Bam," Kanwariyas have started arriving in Haridwar in large numbers, with the faithful making the journey on foot from various parts of the country.

The Sharadiya Kanwar fair grows yearly, and authorities have extensively prepared to manage the increa...