New Delhi:
Huge jams brought traffic to a standstill in Delhi today as large groups of pilgrims of Lord Shiva known as Kanwariyas passed through the capital and neighbouring areas.
On social media, people complained that in some places entire lanes of the major roads have been reserved for the pilgrims who travel in processions.
Groups of saffron-clad pilgrims have even been accused of holding up traffic with rowdy behaviour.Kanwariyas, in an annual ritual, take holy water from the river Ganga to various temples of Lord Shiva and mostly travel on foot.
Driving across National Highway 24, which connects Delhi to Uttar Pradesh, NDTV found roads completely choked with the pilgrims taking up half the road.
At 8 am the Ashram flyover in Delhi was completely blocked as cars managed to move at snail's pace.
A little up ahead, a traffic guard was seen holding up an entire highway on both sides, to allow a huge group of Kanwariyas to cross over.
The tradition considered very pious in several villages in north India sees young boys undertake the religious journey.
Their passage, however, is rife with reports of mayhem, violence and rowdy behaviour.
On the fringes of Delhi's east, in Gazipur, NDTV spotted scores of pilgrims, clad in florescent t-shirts of Lord Shiva and blaring Bollywood songs, driving motorcycles recklessly.
While one pilgrim shows off his stunts on a bike the other has four others riding pillion - all without helmets right under the nose of the traffic police.
By 10:30 am, we reach one of the biggest camps of the Kawars trying to understand what drives these young boys to take this journey.
"
Bam bam bhole. It's all for
bhole," they respond to all questions, breaking into their religious cry.
Asked what if they hurt themselves or others on the road, their response: "
Bhole bachaenge" (Lord Shiva will save us).