UP Government Defends Kanwar Yatra Directive Amid Opposition Allegations

The Uttar Pradesh government has robustly defended its directive mandating shop owners along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names prominently, a move aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly pilgrimage. In a detailed submission to the Supreme Court, the state government emphasized the directive’s necessity, citing specific complaints from Kanwariyas regarding confusion caused by the names of shops and eateries.

The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage that sees millions of Lord Shiva devotees, known as Kanwariyas, travel to fetch holy water from the Ganges River, is a significant religious event. The state government highlighted that the directive was introduced following complaints about food being served along the route, with concerns over whether it adhered to religious practices. "The yatra is an arduous journey, where some Kanwariyas, i.e. the Dak Kanwariyas, do not even stop to rest once the Kanwar is on their shoulders. There are sacred features of the pilgrimage, such as the fact that the Kanwar, once filled with holy Gangajal, is not to be kept on the ground; nor under the shadow of the gular tree. It may also be noted that a Kanwaria embarks on the Yatra after years of preparation" the Government stated.

Devotees from across the nation commenced their Kanwar Yatra on July 22, coinciding with the first Monday of "Shravan” Many thronged 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, to offer prayers and take a holy dip in the Ganges to mark the occasion.

However, the directive has sparked controversy, with opposition parties labeling it as "anti-Muslim" and accusing the Government of attempting to create societal divisions. The state Government refuted these claims, insisting that the directive was solely aimed at addressing the practical concerns of the pilgrims.

The Government's submission to the Supreme Court underscored the importance of the directive in maintaining order during the pilgrimage. "The directive was issued in response to complaints received from Kanwariyas regarding confusion caused by the names of the shops and eateries” the state Government explained, reiterating that the primary goal was to ensure a smooth and orderly pilgrimage for the devotees.

As the debate continues, the directive remains a point of contention, reflecting the broader challenges of balancing religious practices with societal harmony. The Supreme Court's decision on the matter will be closely watched, as it could set a significant precedent for future religious events and government directives.

Author: Anushka Taraniya
News Writer