Kanwar Yatra From July 11: No Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Iron Rods, DJs With Loud Music
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Authorities expect over five crore devotees from Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh will travel to Haridwar and Rishikesh to collect Ganga Jal
With the annual Kanwar Yatra set to begin on July 11, top police officials from six states convened in Haridwar on Friday to coordinate security and logistical arrangements for the massive pilgrimage.
Authorities anticipate that over five crore devotees from Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh will travel to Haridwar and Rishikesh to collect Ganga Jal, which Kanwariyas traditionally carry in decorative pots suspended on bamboo structures called Kanwar, later offering it at Shiva temples in their hometowns.
Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth emphasised that strict surveillance will be maintained to prevent the entry of anti-social elements during the Yatra.
A joint decision was taken to prohibit Kanwariyas from carrying hockey sticks, baseball bats, iron rods, spears, or similar objects. Additionally, intelligence-sharing protocols were agreed upon among the participating states.
The Kanwar Yatra brings key regions of NCR, western Uttar Pradesh, Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand to a near standstill due to the sheer scale of participation.
One recurring issue has been the presence of truck-mounted sound systems, commonly referred to as 'DJs," which blast loud music—ranging from Shiva bhajans to Bollywood songs—along the route. The mobile DJs often engage in competitive displays, creating noise pollution and public nuisance.
Uttarakhand police have categorically stated that high-decibel music will not be tolerated within the state limits during the Yatra. Inspector General (Garhwal Range) Rajiv Swaroop told News18 that warnings have already been issued to around 50 prominent DJ groups, primarily based in western UP, Delhi and Haryana, urging them to comply with sound regulations.
Popular DJ groups like Kasana, Monu, and Ravan are particularly favoured among younger Kanwariyas. However, residents in Uttarakhand have long complained about the disruptions caused by excessive noise levels, which in some cases have even led to broken windowpanes and property damage.
The Yatra that begins on July 11 will conclude on July 23. During the two-week-long religious pilgrimage, the police will divert the route between Uttarakhand and the national capital.
With inputs from Satendra & Pulkit
First Published:
June 27, 2025, 19:12 IST
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