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Kanwar Yatra

Syllabus Areas:

Prelims Point of View

A massive annual pilgrimage in which devotees of Lord Shiva (called Kanwariyas) carry holy water from the Ganges River to their hometowns, especially during the Shravan month (July-August).

Last year, ~40 million people participated in the holy Yatra.

Pilgrims travel on foot, motorcycles, buses, or cars—often barefoot.

Mythological Background:

Linked to the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean)
According to legends, Lord Shiva consumed poison (halahala) to save the universe.
To soothe the burning effect, Ganga Jal is offered to him—an act replicated by devotees today as symbolic devotion and repayment of cosmic debt.

Major Route:

Start: Delhi
Stops include:
1. Partapur (UP) – 60 km from Delhi
2. Modipuram (UP) – 90 km
3. Khatauli (UP) – 115 km
4. Muzaffarnagar (UP) – 140 km
5. Roorkee (UK) – 190 km
6. Haridwar (UK) – 225 km
7. Rishikesh (UK) – 250 km

Scale & Growth:

Started as a small-scale pilgrimage in ancient times.
Now one of the largest mass pilgrimages globally:
- ~40 million people participate annually (HT 2024 report).
- Huge infrastructural and logistical arrangements are made by state governments.
- Temporary tents, food stalls, toilets, security deployments, and first aid stations are set up along the route.

Unique Cultural Features:

“Bol Bam” chants, saffron clothing, DJ trucks, music systems, and decorated kanwars.
Some perform tandav-style dance or travel barefoot.
Devotees avoid alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and engage in fasting and prayer.

Key Issues Highlighted:

Law & Order Challenges:
- Use of loud music, DJ trucks, and aggressive behavior by some pilgrims.
- Clashes and complaints from locals due to roadblocks and unruly behavior.
- Businesses often close down for safety.
Police Deployment & Management:
- Over 25 lakh police deployed in UP and UK.
- Drones, CCTVs, and anti-riot gear used.
- Special arrangements by Disaster Response Forces.
Concerns from Locals:
- Noise and disturbance, especially at night.
- Fear of confrontations if complaints are made.
- Public infrastructure (toilets, water, roads) under pressure.
Environmental: Plastic waste, overuse of water, noise pollution

Government Measures:

Dedicated Kanwar control rooms and Kanwar apps in some states (like UP and Uttarakhand).
Deployment of disaster response forces, ambulances, mobile toilets, and public announcement systems.
Restrictions on loud music/DJs after specific hours.

The Kanwar Yatra is a powerful example of faith-driven mass mobilization in India. While its spiritual and cultural dimensions are immense, there’s a need for regulation, behavioral sensitization, and sustainable planning to ensure the yatra remains a peaceful, safe, and environmentally responsible event.

Prelims Questions:

Which of the following constitutional provisions is most directly related to managing the law and order during events like Kanwar Yatra?
1. Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination
2. Article 25 – Freedom of religion
3. Article 19 – Freedom of movement
4. Article 355 – Duty of the Union to protect states
Answer: B. Article 25

Explanation: Article 25 guarantees freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion but is subject to public order, morality, and health.
The term “Kanwar” in Kanwar Yatra refers to:
1. The name of the river where water is collected
2. The local name of a Lord Shiva temple
3. A bamboo structure used to carry holy water
4. A ritual chant used during the Yatra
Answer: C. A bamboo structure used to carry holy water

Explanation: The “Kanwar” is a decorated sling carried on the shoulders.
Consider the following administrative responses to the Kanwar Yatra:
1. Deployment of drone surveillance
2. Creation of exclusive pedestrian corridors
3. Ban on playing music after specified hours
4. Setting up temporary camps and mobile toilets
Which of the above have been implemented in recent years?
1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 1, 3 and 4 only
3. 2, 3 and 4 only
4. All of the above