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Kanwar Yatra is one of the largest religious pilgrimages in India, where millions of Shiva devotees—called Kanwariyas—undertake a sacred journey during the Hindu month of Shravan. Devotees collect holy water from the Ganga and carry it back on foot to offer at local Shiv Temples. The 2025 yatra begins around 11 July and will continue until early August, peaking during Shravan Mondays.
In eastern India, Kanwariyas take the famous Sultanganj (Bihar) to Deoghar (Jharkhand) route, carrying Ganga water from the source to Baba Baidyanath Dham. In Uttar Pradesh, local routes like Garhmukteshwar to Hapur to Meerut are also very popular due to their proximity to the Ganga canal.
Major Kanwar Yatra Routes in India
There are multiple routes across North India that Kanwariyas follow. The most prominent one is from Haridwar to Delhi/Meerut/Haryana/UP, attracting lakhs of devotees from NCR and Western UP. Another spiritual and high-altitude route starts from Gaumukh and Gangotri via Rishikesh and Haridwar, offering a more intense spiritual experience.
Route Diversions and Traffic Restrictions
In anticipation of huge crowds, authorities have issued major traffic advisories. Starting 11 July 2025, Delhi–Meerut Expressway will be partially closed to heavy vehicles. Similar diversions are in place in districts like Meerut, Bijnor, Hapur, Ghaziabad, and Muzaffarnagar. Trucks and buses will be rerouted, and several roads will be made one-way to ease movement for pilgrims.
The UP government and local police have urged commuters to check real-time traffic updates and use alternate routes, especially during peak yatra dates like 14 July (first Shravan Monday) and 21 July.
Safety Measures and Facilities for Devotees
The government has strengthened arrangements this year with CCTV cameras, drones for surveillance, QR-coded shops, and on-ground medical teams. Over 100+ camps have been set up for rest, first-aid, food, and sanitation. Lighting along the routes, mobile toilets, water booths, and emergency response teams have also been deployed.
Devotees are advised to avoid plastic use, maintain cleanliness, and respect local laws. Strict bans are in place on alcohol and non-vegetarian food near the Kanwar routes.
Timeline of the Yatra and Key Dates
- 11 July 2025 – Start of Shravan month
- 13–23 July 2025 – Peak Kanwar movement
- 14, 21, 28 July & 4 August – Major Shravan Mondays
- 4 August 2025 – Conclusion of Kanwar Yatra (likely)
On these dates, especially Mondays, devotees perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva at temples across cities, towns, and villages.
Key Route Summary Table
| Route | Description |
|---|---|
| Haridwar → Meerut → Delhi → NCR | Most popular among North Indian devotees |
| Gaumukh → Gangotri → Rishikesh | Hilly spiritual route for intense pilgrimage seekers |
| Sultanganj → Deoghar (Bihar-Jharkhand) | Eastern India’s iconic Kanwar route |
| Garhmukteshwar → Hapur → Meerut | Shorter, canal-side route in UP |
Kanwar Yatra is not just a pilgrimage—it’s an emotional, physical, and spiritual commitment. Participants are advised to travel in groups, wear reflective gear at night, and carry essential first-aid. Respecting local communities, traffic rules, and religious sentiments is crucial to ensure a safe and fulfilling journey.
May Lord Shiva bless all Kanwariyas with strength and devotion during this sacred Shravan Yatra 2025. Har Har Mahadev! 🕉️
