UP CM reviews preparations, Delhi CM warns against disturbing Kanwar Yatra as people throng temples

New Delhi | The Kanwar Yatra got into high gear on the first Monday of the Hindu month of Shravan with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewing preparations and Delhi’s Rekha Gupta saying her government would ensure “secure” passage for the Shiv devotees. Reports also came in of an eatery allegedly being vandalised in Muzaffarnagar by a group of kanwariyas.

CM Adityanath directed officials to maintain surveillance in sensitive areas, asserting that any attempt to disturb the yatra must be met with strict action.

Maintaining that the safety and convenience of devotees are the top priorities of the state government, he instructed officials to ensure adequate arrangements along the yatra route, including cleanliness, medical services, drinking water, canteens, and toilets.

To enhance communication and spiritual ambience, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister directed the use of public address systems along the route and the continuous broadcast of Shiv bhajans to keep devotees connected. He also suggested organising floral showers from helicopters at key locations to welcome kanwars.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said no nuisance will be tolerated during Kanwar Yatra, days after glass shards were found scattered along a stretch of the yatra route in Shahdara.

Speaking at an event, Gupta warned against creating any obstacle in the yatra and said that her government is committed to providing facilities to kanwariyas.

"There were glass shards found scattered on a Kanwar Yatra stretch for around 400 metres. No nuisance will be tolerated. If any security hurdle or obstacle is created in Kanwar Yatra, the person will have to answer the government. The government will ensure a fully secure and comfortable Kanwar Yatra for Shiv bhakts (devotees). We will give full facilities and welcome kanwariyas," she said on the sidelines of an event.

In Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, a group of kanwariyas allegedly vandalised a dhaba, alleging that the owners, who were Muslims, had not displayed their identities at their establishment, police said on Monday.

The alleged incident occurred at Lucky Shudh Dhaba Bhojnalaya near Saini Bhatta Chowk on a highway in Meerapur on Sunday, after the kanwariyas had lunch there.

SHO Meerapur, Babloo Singh, said some kanwariyas, along with the owner of a nearby eatery, questioned the dhaba owner for not displaying his identity. After the commotion, the kanwariyas resumed their yatra.

Meanwhile, all educational institutions in Muzaffarnagar will remain closed from July 16 to July 23 in view of the Kanwar Yatra, district authorities said on Monday.

District Magistrate Umesh Mishra told reporters that the decision has been taken to ensure smooth conduct of the yatra and to avoid any inconvenience to students and staff during the festival period.

The Kanwar Yatra, which sees a large number of kanwariyas travelling on foot to collect sacred water from the Ganga river and offer it at Shiva temples, witnesses heavy movement and heightened security arrangements across western Uttar Pradesh, including Muzaffarnagar.

In east Delhi's Mayur Vihar, four people, including a juvenile, were arrested in an attempt to murder case linked to a parking dispute during Kanwar Yatra preparations, an official said on Monday.

The alleged incident occurred on the night of July 11 and a PCR call was received about firing near Shashi Garden in Mayur Vihar Phase-I, the official said.

The officer further said that the accused were preparing to leave for Haridwar on Kanwar Yatra. The accused, identified as Mohit (24), Rohit (22), Bhuwan (20), and a 17-year-old juvenile, allegedly opened fire on Jitendra, his brother Sagar, and their friend Piyush. No one was injured in the incident, he said.

A large number of devotees travel from various places with 'kanwars', carrying holy water from the Ganga to perform 'jalabhishek' of Shivlings during the Hindu calendar month of Shravan.