Haridwar/Meerut, The sacred ghats of Haridwar are once again echoing with chants of “Bol Bam” as thousands of Shiva devotees, known as Kanwariyas, have arrived at Har Ki Pauri to collect Gangajal, the holy water of the Ganges. The Kanwar Yatra 2025, which officially began on July 10, has transformed the spiritual town into a sea of saffron, with pilgrims from across the country converging to undertake this annual journey of faith.
The Shravan month pilgrimage, considered one of the most significant events in the Sanatan tradition, sees devotees carrying ornately decorated Kanwars (sacred bamboo structures with pots of Ganga water) on their shoulders. These pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometres barefoot or in processions, determined to offer the sacred water to Lord Shiva at temples in their hometowns.
Har Ki Pauri: The Spiritual Heart of the Yatra
This year, Har Ki Pauri, the most revered ghat in Haridwar, is witnessing one of the largest footfalls in recent times. The ghats are illuminated, and the air is thick with incense, chants, and bhajans. Devotees, young and old, are seen standing patiently in queues, braving the heat and humidity to collect water from the holy river. Many begin their journey back on foot the same day, carrying the Gangajal as an offering for the Jalabhishek (ritual water offering) to Lord Shiva.
Security arrangements in Haridwar have been stepped up significantly. Thousands of police personnel, medical aid stations, and volunteer groups have been deployed to manage the crowd, provide assistance, and ensure safety during this massive spiritual gathering.
Meerut Shuts Schools Amid Pilgrim Surge
Meanwhile, the impact of the yatra is being felt across northern India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where cities like Meerut lie along key Kanwar routes. In a proactive move to prevent congestion and ensure the safety of students and their families, the Meerut District Administration has declared a temporary closure of all schools and colleges from July 16 to July 23.
District Magistrate VK Singh confirmed the decision, citing the extensive road closures and increased traffic due to the Kanwar Yatra. “Many of the city’s main roads are part of the Kanwar path. For the safety of our students and to avoid disruption, we have decided to keep educational institutions shut for a week,” he said.
Lighting the Way: Nighttime Safety Measures
To facilitate safe and uninterrupted movement for Kanwariyas, the administration has undertaken extensive lighting and infrastructure arrangements. Over 45 kilometers of the Kanwar Path have been illuminated with permanent and temporary lights, enabling pilgrims to walk safely even after sunset. The Radhna route to Pura Mahadev, stretching 42 kilometers, has also been fully lit, ensuring round-the-clock accessibility.
Moreover, 17 mobile lighting vehicles, equipped with high-intensity LED floodlights, have been stationed along the route. These units will serve as rapid-response solutions in case of lighting failures or emergencies, guaranteeing an uninterrupted and secure pilgrimage experience.
Cultural Grandeur and Devotional Unity
The Kanwar Yatra 2025 continues to exemplify the spiritual and cultural ethos of Sanatan Dharma. With increasing participation from families, youth, and organized devotional groups, the pilgrimage has grown far beyond a regional event to become one of India’s largest annual religious congregations.
What makes the Kanwar Yatra unique is its blend of individual austerity and collective celebration — where each devotee’s journey is intensely personal, yet the experience is shared by millions across cities, towns, and villages.
From devotional music echoing through mobile sound systems to camps offering free food, water, and medical support, the entire route is transformed into a corridor of faith, service, and social harmony.
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