The Uttar Pradesh Government has staunchly defended its order mandating that shop owners along the Kanwar Yatra route display their names prominently. This defence was presented in a detailed submission to the Supreme Court, with the State asserting that the measure was intended to maintain order and peace during the pilgrimage.
The government clarified that the directive was issued to address confusion among Kanwariyas, the devotees participating in the Kanwar Yatra. Complaints from these pilgrims highlighted difficulties caused by unclear shop names and signage, prompting the State to act.
“The Kanwar Yatra is a rigorous journey, and some pilgrims, known as Dak Kanwariyas, travel without taking breaks once they begin their pilgrimage. Sacred practices, such as not placing the Kanwar — filled with holy Gangajal — on the ground or under the shadow of certain trees, are integral to the pilgrimage. Pilgrims prepare for years before undertaking this journey,” the government stated.
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual event where millions of devotees of Lord Shiva travel to collect holy water from the Ganges River. The Uttar Pradesh Government stated that the directive aimed to address concerns about the food offered along the route, ensuring it adhered to religious standards and practices.
The directive has faced criticism from Opposition parties, who label it as ‘anti-Muslim’ and suggest it is designed to sow discord within society. Critics argue that the measure could exacerbate communal tensions.
Devotees commenced the Kanwar Yatra on July 22, marking the first Monday of ‘Sawan.’ They visited numerous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, the Kali Paltan Temple in Meerut, and the Jharkhandi Mahadev Temple in Gorakhpur. The pilgrimage includes offering prayers and taking a holy dip in the Ganga, signifying the start of the sacred month.
