The Sacred Kalash Yatra carrying holy soil from Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi—the birthplace of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Maharaj—received a grand and devotional welcome in Yamunanagar as it entered the district under the Guru Ravidas Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan. The yatra, flagged off by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Gurugram, is travelling across the state to deliver the sacred soil to Guru Ravidas temples in various districts, promoting the message of social harmony, equality and spiritual unity.

The ceremonial welcome in Yamunanagar was led by Haryana Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister Shyam Singh Rana, who received the Kalash at Alipura village in Radaur Assembly constituency. After offering prayers, he flagged off the procession towards different parts of the district, where it will visit Guru Ravidas temples across all BJP organisational mandals.

Addressing the gathering, Shyam Singh Rana said the yatra is dedicated to strengthening social harmony and brotherhood while spreading the timeless teachings of Guru Ravidas. Referring to the saint’s famous message, “Man Changa To Kathauti Mein Ganga,” the minister said true holiness lies in a pure heart and noble conduct rather than external rituals. He emphasised that when an individual’s mind is filled with compassion, equality and devotion, every place becomes sacred.

The minister said Guru Ravidas taught that sincere devotion to God removes suffering and leads people towards peace and righteousness. He added that saints from every community have always inspired society by teaching that a person’s greatness is determined not by birth but by character and deeds. Following these teachings, he said, would help build a stronger, more harmonious and progressive nation.

As the procession reached Yamunanagar city, Mayor Suman Bahmani accorded a warm welcome to the Kalash Yatra and described the sacred soil from Varanasi as a symbol of India’s spiritual heritage, cultural values and national unity. She said the holy soil represents far more than a ceremonial offering, as it connects people with the country’s rich traditions and reinforces the ideals of harmony and mutual respect.

Bahmani noted that Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva, has been a centre of faith and spirituality for centuries, and the Kalash Yatra serves as a bridge connecting future generations with India’s cultural roots. She said the nation’s Sanatan tradition promotes the timeless ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family—and such initiatives further strengthen communal harmony and national integration.

She appealed to citizens, especially the younger generation, to actively participate in cultural and spiritual programmes that preserve India’s heritage and promote social unity. She also appreciated the organisers for conducting a meaningful campaign that inspires people to embrace the teachings of Guru Ravidas while fostering mutual respect across communities.

Among those present on the occasion were former MLA and Chairman of the Haryana Safai Karamchari Commission Ishwar Singh Palaka, senior BJP leader Nepal Singh Rana, Market Committee Chairman Rupinder Singh Mally, BJP Mandal Presidents Krishan Kamboj, Hardeep Singh Saini, Adesh Rana, Sandhya Rawat, senior BJP leaders Gopal Krishna, Surendra Cheema, and several party functionaries, public representatives and local residents.

POD/DESK