New Delhi, July 30 — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on the first day of the holy month of Sawan and offered prayers for the prosperity, peace and well-being of the country.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said he had the privilege of worshipping at the shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in Kashi. “On the auspicious occasion of the month of Shravan, I had the supreme privilege today of visiting and worshipping Shri Kashi Vishwanath in Kashi, the sacred city of Mahadev, the Lord of Lords,” he wrote.

He added a prayer for the wider public: “My prayer is that, by the boundless grace of Lord Bholenath, the entire creation may flourish, the nation may steadily advance on the path of prosperity, and the lives of all people may be filled with happiness, peace, abundance, and good health. Har-Har Mahadev.”

The month of Sawan began on Thursday with large numbers of devotees visiting Shiva temples across several states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Uttarakhand. Preparations for the annual Kanwar Yatra also gained pace, with devotees beginning journeys carrying Ganga water to offer at Shiva temples.

Sawan, also known as Shravan Maas, is regarded as one of the most sacred periods in the Hindu calendar and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees traditionally observe fasts, perform special pujas and make offerings of water, milk and other items to Shiva Lingams. The month is associated with devotion, self-discipline and reflection.

Key observances during the period include Shravan Shivratri, the Kanwar Yatra and Hariyali Amavasya. Shravan Shivratri, held on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha, is considered the most significant occasion of the month.

This year Sawan commenced on 30 July and will conclude on 28 August. Temple authorities and local administrations in major pilgrimage centres are preparing for elevated footfall in the weeks ahead, particularly on Mondays and major festival days within the month.