'Government stands with the kanwariyas': CM Yogi Adityanath assures security to pilgrims, urges discipline during Kanwar Yatra

With the annual Kanwar Yatra underway, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reiterated his government's commitment to ensuring the safety and smooth movement of millions of devotees participating in the pilgrimage. Addressing officials and the public, the chief minister said the government stands firmly with the kanwariyas while urging pilgrims to uphold discipline throughout the journey.

The Kanwar Yatra, one of India's largest annual religious pilgrimages, sees devotees of Lord Shiva, known as kanwariyas, collect holy water from rivers such as the Ganga and carry it to Shiva temples across northern India. Given the massive turnout, authorities have stepped up security, traffic management and emergency response measures across Uttar Pradesh.

'Government stands with the kanwariyas'

Reaffirming the state's support, Yogi Adityanath said the administration has made extensive arrangements to facilitate the pilgrimage while ensuring law and order.

"The government stands with the kanwariyas," the chief minister said, adding that officials have been instructed to remain alert and provide all necessary assistance to devotees. He stressed that the pilgrimage should be conducted peacefully and without inconvenience to the public.

Appeal for discipline and cooperation

While assuring security, Yogi also appealed to pilgrims to cooperate with the administration by following designated routes and complying with safety guidelines.

He urged devotees to avoid actions that could disrupt public order or endanger fellow pilgrims, emphasizing that discipline is essential for the successful conduct of the yatra.

The chief minister also directed district administrations and police officials to maintain constant vigilance, respond swiftly to emergencies and ensure uninterrupted medical and civic services along the pilgrimage routes.

Multi-layer security arrangements

The Uttar Pradesh government has deployed a large number of police personnel, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) units and traffic officials at key locations. Surveillance through CCTV cameras, drone monitoring and integrated control rooms has also been strengthened in sensitive districts.

Authorities have established medical camps, drinking water facilities, temporary shelters and help desks along major Kanwar routes to assist pilgrims.

Traffic diversions have been implemented in several districts to manage the increased movement of devotees while minimizing disruption to regular commuters.

Annual pilgrimage draws millions

The Kanwar Yatra attracts millions of devotees from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and neighbouring states each year. Pilgrims travel on foot, bicycles and specially decorated vehicles before offering the sacred water at Shiva temples during the holy month of Shravan.

The scale of the pilgrimage requires coordinated efforts between multiple state agencies to manage crowd movement, transportation and emergency services.

Focus on peaceful celebrations

The chief minister reiterated that religious festivals should strengthen social harmony and public cooperation. He urged both officials and pilgrims to work together to ensure the yatra concludes safely and peacefully.

As the pilgrimage continues, security agencies remain on high alert across Uttar Pradesh, with authorities monitoring the situation round the clock to facilitate one of the country's largest religious gatherings.