Massive Pilgrimage: Over 5 Million Kanwariyas Pass Through Muzaffarnagar

The Kanwar Yatra in Muzaffarnagar has seen over 5 million devotees pass through, carrying sacred Ganga water from Haridwar. With stringent security measures in place, the district has deployed thousands of police personnel to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. However, traffic diversions have caused some inconvenience for travelers. The pilgrimage, which started on July 30, will conclude on August 11, with expectations of around 40 million devotees participating this year. Discover more about the significance and management of this annual event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 13:26 IST

Overview of the Kanwar Yatra

Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh), August 5 – During the ongoing Kanwar Yatra in the month of Shravan, more than 5 million devotees have traversed through Muzaffarnagar, carrying sacred Ganga water from Haridwar to various destinations in Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and other districts in Uttar Pradesh. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjay Kumar reported on Wednesday that stringent security measures have been implemented to ensure the safe and smooth movement of the pilgrims.

Security Measures and Traffic Management

Kumar informed reporters that over 4,000 police personnel have been deployed along the Kanwar routes in the district, including units from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and bomb disposal squads. The number of Kanwariyas passing through the district is steadily increasing, with estimates suggesting that around 40 million devotees will pass through Muzaffarnagar during this annual pilgrimage. The district administration has initiated the second phase of traffic management to facilitate the Kanwar Yatra, which includes restrictions on all types of vehicles on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway and the Ganga Canal route, designated exclusively for the Kanwariyas.

Impact of Route Changes

However, the changes in routes have caused inconvenience for travelers, with many experiencing longer travel times and increased fares for buses and taxis. Officials noted that this second phase of the traffic diversion plan will remain in effect until August 12. The Kanwar Yatra commenced on July 30 and will conclude on August 11.

Significance of the Kanwar Yatra

Every year, millions of devotees of Lord Shiva participate in this pilgrimage, bringing holy Ganga water from Haridwar and walking to their local Shiva temples to offer it.