PRAYAGRAJ, Aug. 4 -- Thousands of devotees thronged Shiva temples on the first Monday of Sawan in Paraygarj. A large number of devotees were seen collecting holy water from the Ganga and Sangam after taking a ritual dip before proceeding to various Shiva temples for offering prayers. At Dashashwamedh Ghat, a steady stream of Kanwariyas gathered since morning, filling their Kanwars and Kalash with the Ganga water before embarking on their pilgrimage to temples in Prayagraj and Varanasi. Major Shiva temples, including the ancient Shri Mankameshwar Mahadev Temple, Gangeshwar Temple, Nagvasuki Temple and Someshwar Nath Mahadev Temple, witnessed heavy footfall. Long queues of devotees were seen waiting for their turn to offer holy water to the deity. Meanwhile, in view of the annual Kanwar Yatra and the heavy influx of pilgrims, authorities implemented extensive traffic diversions and security arrangements across the district. A dedicated lane on the Prayagraj-Varanasi highway has been reserved exclusively for the movement of Kanwariyas. Barricading has been installed along the route from Jhunsi through Hanumanganj, Handia and Baraut. Authorities have also prohibited the entry of heavy vehicles and Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses on the Shastri Bridge in Jhunsi which are being diverted through alternative bypass routes. Roadways buses arriving from Varanasi and Jaunpur are being routed via Handia, Sahson and Phaphamau before entering Prayagraj. Additional police personnel, Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams and traffic staff have been deployed at temples, ghats and along the Kanwar Yatra route. Surveillance is being carried out through drones and CCTV cameras....