Kanwar Yatra witnesses record turnout of around 4.43 cr devotees

Dehradun: The Kanwar Yatra witnessed a record turnout this year, with around 4.43 crore devotees returning home with Ganga water from Haridwar by Monday evening, police said.

Around 63.60 lakh pilgrims reached Haridwar on Monday alone and collected Ganga water, police officials said.

The Kanwar Yatra began on July 30, coinciding with the beginning of the month of Sawan, and will conclude on August 11.


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During the annual 15-day pilgrimage, Shiva devotees from various parts of the country travel to Haridwar to collect Ganga water and return to their native places, where they offer it to Lord Shiva at temples on Shivratri.

Kanwariyas travel hundreds of kilometres on foot, carrying the holy water in decorated Kanwars.

In view of the large turnout, the Uttarakhand administration and police have made extensive arrangements for security, medical care, drinking water, rest areas and traffic management along the Kanwar routes.

Traffic diversions and restrictions have also been implemented in Haridwar and adjoining areas to facilitate the movement of Kanwariyas and keep their routes separate from regular traffic.