Haridwar, August 4:Thousands of Kanwariyas participating in the annual Kanwar Yatra in Haridwar received a grand welcome on Tuesday as flowers were showered on them from a helicopter along the pilgrimage route. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also greeted the devotees by washing their feet upon their arrival in the state.

Speaking during the event, Dhami said it was a matter of pride for Uttarakhand to welcome and honour the pilgrims in such a manner.

"We are honoured to welcome the devotees by washing their feet. We pray to Lord Shiva for their safe and smooth journey," the Chief Minister said.

The aerial flower shower covered the entire Kanwar Yatra route, beginning from Har Ki Pauri and extending across different parts of Haridwar, creating a festive atmosphere as devotees continued their pilgrimage.