LUCKNOW, July 15 -- As a spiritual wave swept across Uttar Pradesh on the first Monday of Sawan, the state government decided to felicitate Shiv Bhakts with flower showers and ensure a safe Kanwar Yatra.

The holy city of Varanasi echoed with chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and witnessed devotees coming to worship at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple since midnight to perform 'Jalabhishek' and offer prayers.

Meanwhile, a long queue of devotees was seen at Mankameshwar Temple in the state capital. Similar scenes were there in other cities of the state.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting reviewing the security of Kawariyas. He asked officials to shower petals on Shiv Bhakts, at key locations to honour the devotees.

CM dir...