Bhubaneswar: Thousands of Kanwariyas today waited in long queues to offer holy water to Lord Shiva at temples across Odisha on the occasion of first Monday of Hindu month Shraavana.

The Bol Bam devotees, dressed in saffron-coloured clothes, started their journey in groups after picking up water in small pots from various rivers in order to offer it to the deity.

Security arrangements were made at major Lord Shiva temples in the state including the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack, Lokanath Temple in Puri and Akhandalamani Temple in Bhadrak in view of the gathering of the devotees.

The Twin City Commissionerate Police has made elaborate security and other arrangements for Kanwariyas in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

In view of the expected congregations, police and fire services teams have kept powerboats, lifejackets, rope lines and portable light towers in place and will be on their toes round the clock.

Accordingly, the Commissionerate Police created awareness and issued advisories for Bol Bom devotees not to venture into the deep water of the rivers.

In a significant step towards reducing plastic waste, the administration and servitors' association of Dhabaleswar Temple have banned the use of plastic materials, including plastic pots, within the temple premises.

Accordingly, Bol Bom devotees will not be permitted to carry plastic pots or Bahungi (sling) inside the temple.

For the Bol Bam devotees, offering of water to the deity will be allowed on July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12, and August 19 (All Mondays).

The temple administration has made elaborate arrangements for these days, including enhanced security measures and awareness campaigns to discourage the use of plastic among devotees.