Bhubaneswar, July 18: With the onset of the holy month of Shravan, the State Transport Authority (STA) of Odisha has issued a set of safety guidelines aimed at protecting Kanwariyas devotees who undertake long foot journeys to Shiva temples for Jalabhishek (ritual water offering).
As thousands of Kanwariyas are expected to walk along state and national highways, the STA has raised concerns over increasing incidents of road accidents involving the pilgrims, especially during night travel. To mitigate risks, the authority has recommended the use of retro-reflective tapes on the arms of devotees. These tapes reflect light in low visibility conditions, making the wearers visible from a distance and reducing the chances of vehicle collisions.
Key safety guidelines issued by STA:
- Use only pedestrian-designated routes.
- Walk along the edge of the road, not in the middle.
- Affix retro-reflective tape to your arms for visibility in darkness.
- Move in groups, walking in a single file.
“Retro-reflective tapes can significantly enhance the visibility of Kanwariyas, particularly at night or in poorly lit areas, thereby preventing fatal accidents,” said an official from the STA.
The advisory comes in light of a steady rise in the number of devotees each year during Shravan. Many Kanwariyas walk for miles carrying water-filled containers on their shoulders or arms, which not only strains them physically but also increases the risk of accidents on busy highways.
Authorities noted that a significant number of mishaps occur at night when visibility is low and vehicles fail to spot the pilgrims in time. The guidelines aim to promote disciplined and cautious walking practices and encourage group travel for added safety.
