Organizing the kanwar camps 2022
In 2022, the Kanwar Yatra resumed after a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As in previous years, Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra (VMRK) received permission from local administrations to organize camps to serve the kanwarias (pilgrims). VMRK organized 53 camps in 8 states: Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, and in 2 union territories: Delhi and Chandigarh.
VMRK’s kanwar camps complied with the guidelines issued by the local, state, and central bodies to ensure everyone’s safety and the welfare of the community. To serve as many kanwarias as possible, VMRK chose to set up the kanwar camps in locations where thousands of kanwarias were expected. The camps were set up 30 feet away from the road, leaving a wide berth to keep the kanwarias safe and avoid traffic congestion. VMRK volunteers were rostered to provide 24-hour service to the kanwarias. Every day, VMRK volunteers took care of shelter arrangement, reception, assisting at the medical camp, preparing and serving food, organizing the shoe rack, sanitation, parking, security and safety, and disaster management.
CAMPS SERVING KANWARIAS IN 2022
HOURS EVERY DAY AT EACH CAMP
Every year, the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage occurs during the month of Sawan. Since this period coincides with the summer monsoon, the VMRK camps made arrangements to protect against the rain, heat, and humidity. VMRK used waterproof tents and dug ditches around the tents to prevent water coming in. Fans and/or air coolers were installed to offer respite from the summer heat. Generators were available on standby in case of power disruptions. Camps also installed fire extinguishers and CCTV cameras for safety and security. Alcohol and smoking were strictly prohibited to preserve the sanctity of the devotional atmosphere.
The kanwarias were grateful for the care and attention they received at the VMRK kanwar camps. Many kanwarias left comments in our visitor log, some are listed below:
All types of facilities are available for us and the best thing is maintaining discipline (in the camp) by the volunteers of the organization and others as well. We are very thankful to all volunteers for providing the facilities and (maintaining) hygiene at the camp.
Ankush Rana, VPO Jankur, District Una, Himachal Pradesh
The divinity and human values radiating from this place have raised our spiritual selves to new heights. We pay our heartfelt gratitude to Sant Baljit Singh Ji whose inspiration and guidance can be clearly seen in the behavior of the volunteers, which is proving the nobleness of this place.
Suneet Chauhan, with his team, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh
I have been going on the Kanwar Yatra for the last 37 years but the kind of arrangements and facilities provided in this camp are unparalleled. I have not found these in any other kanwar camp. The volunteers of the organization are always eager to serve the kanwarias.
Sahdev Ram, Village Amrit Nagar, Hajaribagh, Jharkhand
Local administration officials inspected the VMRK kanwar camps during the pilgrimage and were satisfied that the camps complied with the guidelines issued by the local, state, and central bodies. Local news media also published reports about the VMRK kanwar camps.
Certificate
It is certified that Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra, Nawan Nagar, Panchkula organised a kanwar and medical camp from 18.07.2022 to 27.07.2022 on highway at village Mattanwala, Distt. Panchkula. The parking system, cleanliness, medical camp and bathroom/toilet facility for the kanwaria pilgrims during the kanwar camp was highly appreciable.
Covid norms were also followed by the kanwaria pilgrims in the kanwar camp. Several inspections of the camp were carried out by the undersigned from time to time. We really appreciate VMRK for organising this camp and we wish that you would continue to set such a standard to keep India clean in future as well.
Sd/-
Incharge
Police Chowki Ramgarh
Distt. Panchkula
Translated excerpt of Dainik Jagran News report published on August 13, 2022.
Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra always ready to serve humanity
Inspired by Sant Baljit Singh Ji, camps were set up to serve the Kanwar pilgrims
Chandigarh: Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra, which is always ready to serve humanity, has once again fulfilled its social responsibility very well. This time Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra not only set up kanwar camps for the kanwarias but also provided them shelter, catering, and medical facilities.
During the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage from July 16 to August 8, 2022, Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra organised 53 camps in 10 states and union territories. These states include Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, and Chandigarh. Medical facilities, as well as adequate facilities for the pilgrims to take rest, were provided in all these camps. From mobile charging to repairing shoes, facilities were provided in these camps from place to place so that the pilgrims do not face any kind of problem during the pilgrimage. The pilgrims were given nutritious food and facilities for rest.
Since 2014, Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra, Nawan Nagar, Tehsil Kalka, Panchkula, has been inspired by Sant Baljit Singh Ji to do work in an impartial manner for social welfare. Every year, during the Kanwar Yatra, the camps are organised, in the month of Sawan for the devotees of Lord Shiva.