With the final and most crowded Monday of the Sawan month approaching, Moradabad district in Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a significant influx of Kanwariyas — devotees who carry holy water from Haridwar to offer at Lord Shiva temples. In response, authorities have rolled out comprehensive traffic diversions and security measures to ensure the safe and orderly passage of pilgrims.
District officials confirmed that all routes used by the Kanwariyas have been marked for diversions, especially for large vehicles and four-wheelers. Police personnel and magistrates have been stationed along key points to assist in crowd management and maintain law and order.
“The last Monday of Sawan sees the highest turnout, so we’ve imposed diversions along all Kanwar routes. Adequate magistrates and security forces are deployed. Verified bhandaras (food stalls) are set up in a systematic manner. We’ve taken precautions regarding electric wires and instructed the fire department and crowd control units to remain alert. A mock drill has also been conducted,” said an official.
Earlier on July 21, the Bulandshahr administration had similarly implemented a multi-tiered security strategy. All Kanwar routes in the district were divided into zones and sectors, each under close surveillance.
Superintendent of Police (Rural), Tejveer Singh, said, “We’ve deployed a patrolling bike every kilometre and stationed police at all diversion points to prevent entry of heavy vehicles. CCTV cameras are installed across routes, and officers are actively patrolling to ensure safety.”
The Kanwar Yatra, which began on July 10, is one of the largest religious gatherings in northern India. Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, undertake the arduous journey — often on foot — carrying sacred river water to pour over Shiva lingams as an offering.
This year, the sacred month of Sawan began on July 11 and will conclude on August 9. Devotees observe fasts, chant mantras, perform Rudrabhishek, and sing devotional songs throughout the period, making it one of the most spiritually vibrant months in the Hindu calendar.
