India, July 11 -- MEERUT The holy month of Sawan began on Friday, marking the start of Kanwar Yatra across Uttar Pradesh with Lord Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) setting out to collect holy water from the Ganga from Haridwar and other holy sites to offer 'Jalabhishek' at Shiva temples.

Meerut and Bareilly came alive with spiritual fervour, colourful processions and robust administrative arrangements.

The Meerut administration prepared eight designated routes to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. "All these routes are equipped with electrical connections, sanitation facilities and medical camps to ensure devotees face no obstacles," said divisional commissioner (Meerut) Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod.

The 540-km Kanwar route in the Meerut rang...