Khaira: Two kanwariyas were reportedly swept away in the Salandi River while taking a dip on their way to a Shiv temple for performing a ritual on auspicious Shravan Monday.

The two went missing in the river. A search operation is underway to trace the two devotees.

The missing kanwariyas were from Sana Jaipur village in Balasore district.

According to reports, the kanwariyas duo was advancing towards a Shiv temple in Barada panchayat under Khaira block in Balasore district to pour holy water on Shivling on Monday in the holy month of Shravan. On the way, they took a dip in the Salandi River, which was flooded due to heavy rainfall.

Sources said that the two were swept away by a strong water current in the flooded river.