The annual Kanwar Yatra is over and it has left the holy city of Haridwar with over 7000 tonnes of garbage. The two-week ‘Kanwar Yatra’ in which approximately 48 million pilgrims participated was the the highest number on record. But as they left after Shivratri, they left behind heaps of trash. Visuals showed discarded clothing, plastic items, rotten flowers and Kanwar structures scattered on the ghats. Municipal officials said that the areas worst affected by the unregulated dumping of waste are the numerous ‘ghats’ on the Ganga river, markets where pilgrims stopped to rest and eat.&nbsp;Speaking to media, Nandan Kumar, municipal corporation town commissioner said, “…approximately 7000 tonnes of garbage was generated during the two weeks of Kanwar yatra. It is being cleared since Tuesday evening, as Kanwariyas started leaving the city for their respective destinations after the Shravan Shivratri Ganga Aarti. Sanitation workers have been deployed in groups around Har-ki-Pauri and the Mela. Waste collection and disposal is also being carried out in city markets, lanes, roads and parking lots on a war footing.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/h1n1-cases-spike-nearly-six-fold-in-delhi-1786539612741">H1N1 cases spike nearly six-fold in Delhi</a><h2>Haridwar will need a “mega cleanliness” drive</h2>The Haridwar district administration has launched a mega cleanliness drive from August 12 to 18 to restore cleanliness in the district to pre-Kanwar fair levels.“Heaps of garbage and waste are lying at Ganga ghats, in the Kanwar Mela zone, along the Kanwar patri and throughout the pedestrian routes used by Kanwariyas to travel, rest and camp, as well as at vehicle parking areas,” Lalit Narayan Mishra, chief development officer, said.“While civic agencies are already involved in the clearance, it is vital that local residents, the saint community, religious organisations, educational institutions, volunteers and traders also participate,” Mishra said.Mishra further said municipal corporations, local authorities including district and village panchayats were working round the clock on waste collection and disposal. The work is being monitored on site and online by senior officials to ensure time-bound clearance of waste, he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kanwar-yatra-2026-delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-reviews-camp-showers-flowers-on-devotees-1786180389939">Kanwar Yatra 2026: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta reviews camp, showers flowers on devotees</a><h2>Sanitation worker deployment</h2>Civic authorities have deployed over 1000 sanitation personnel and 100 outsourced workers for the drive, along with 80 garbage collection, transportation and disposal vehicles.The city’s seer community has extended support to the district administration’s initiative to involve stakeholders and local residents in the post-Kanwar cleanliness drive.The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the apex body of recognised akhadas, has informed the district administration that monks and office-bearers of various akhadas would participate in the cleanliness drive.“Kanwar pilgrimage is an ancient tradition and in recent years the number of Kanwariyas has crossed the four-crore mark, so waste generation is bound to increase manifold. We fully support the administration’s initiative to seek voluntary participation from individuals. By participating in this post-Kanwar cleanliness drive, people will also derive spiritual satisfaction as they will indirectly be helping clean Ganga and reduce pollution,” said Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri of Niranjani Akhada.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Haridwar is struggling to clear over 7,000 tonnes of garbage left after a record 48 million pilgrims attended the 2026 Kanwar Yatra. Authorities have launched a mega cleanliness drive, deploying over 1,000 sanitation workers and vehicles as experts warn of rising pollution and disease risks.

The annual Kanwar Yatra is over and it has left the holy city of Haridwar with over 7000 tonnes of garbage. The two-week ‘Kanwar Yatra’ in which approximately 48 million pilgrims participated was the the highest number on record. But as they left after Shivratri, they left behind heaps of trash. Visuals showed discarded clothing, plastic items, rotten flowers and Kanwar structures scattered on the ghats. Municipal officials said that the areas worst affected by the unregulated dumping of waste are the numerous ‘ghats’ on the Ganga river, markets where pilgrims stopped to rest and eat. Speaking to media, Nandan Kumar, municipal corporation town commissioner said, “…approximately 7000 tonnes of garbage was generated during the two weeks of Kanwar yatra. It is being cleared since Tuesday evening, as Kanwariyas started leaving the city for their respective destinations after the Shravan Shivratri Ganga Aarti. Sanitation workers have been deployed in groups around Har-ki-Pauri and the Mela. Waste collection and disposal is also being carried out in city markets, lanes, roads and parking lots on a war footing.

Haridwar is struggling to clear over 7,000 tonnes of garbage left after a record 48 million pilgrims attended the 2026 Kanwar Yatra. Authorities have launched a mega cleanliness drive, deploying over 1,000 sanitation workers and vehicles as experts warn of rising pollution and disease risks.

7,000 tonnes of garbage, bottles of urine: Haridwar launches mega cleanup after Kanwar Yatra

The Supreme Court of India on Monday (Jul&nbsp;22) imposed an interim stay order on the directives by multiple state governments ordering eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of the shop owners.

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti issued notices to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh seeking their replies to plea challenging the directive.

The bench said that while food sellers may be required to display information on the kind of food they serve, they cannot be forced to display the names of the owners.

"We deem it appropriate to pass an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, food sellers may be required to display kind of food, but must not be forced to display names of owners, staff employed," said the justices. The matter has been posted for further hearing on Friday (Jul&nbsp;26).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-cm-adityanath-orders-eateries-along-kanwar-yatra-routes-in-up-to-display-owners-names-742382">India: CM Yogi Adityanath orders eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes in UP to display owners' names</a>

<h2>The order</h2>

Last week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered eateries across the Kanwar Yatra route to display outside the establishment the names of the owners.

Yogi Adityanath issued this order a similar instruction by police for eateries in Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur and Shamli. He said that the order must be sternly followed to avoid confusion among pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage.&nbsp;The Uttarakhand government passed a similar order.

In Madhya Pradesh, BJP-ruled Ujjain Municipal Corporation also issued a directive asking shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments.

On Saturday (Jul&nbsp;20), Ujjain Mayor Mukesh Tatwal said that violators would have to pay a Rs 2,000 (around $24) fine for the Rs 5,000&nbsp;(around $60) if they defy this order for the second time. He also said that the order was only aimed at ensuring safety and transparency and clarified that it was not intended to target Muslim shopkeepers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kanwar-yatra-in-india-why-is-this-move-by-police-being-compared-to-nazi-germany-742125">'Kanwar Yatra' in India: Why is THIS move of UP Police being compared to 'Nazi Germany'?</a>

<h2>Critics of the order</h2>

The plea, as per PTI news agency, was filed by multiple stakeholders, including the NGO Association of Protection of Civil Rights, TMC MP Mahua Moitra and others.

MP Moitra, in her plea, contented that the order could aggravate discord between communities.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court of India on Monday (Jul 22) imposed an interim stay order on the directives by multiple state governments ordering eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of the shop owners.

The Supreme Court of India on Monday (Jul 22) imposed an interim stay order on the directives by multiple state governments ordering eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of the shop owners. A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti issued notices to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh seeking their replies to plea challenging the directive. The bench said that while food sellers may be required to display information on the kind of food they serve, they cannot be forced to display the names of the owners. "We deem it appropriate to pass an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, food sellers may be required to display kind of food, but must not be forced to display names of owners, staff employed," said the justices. The matter has been posted for further hearing on Friday (Jul 26). Also read | India: CM Yogi Adityanath orders eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes in UP to display owners' names The order Last week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered eateries across the Kanwar Yatra route to display outside the establishment the names of the owners. Yogi Adityanath issued this order a similar instruction by police for eateries in Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur and Shamli. He said that the order must be sternly followed to avoid confusion among pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage. The Uttarakhand government passed a similar order. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP-ruled Ujjain Municipal Corporation also issued a directive asking shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments. On Saturday (Jul 20), Ujjain Mayor Mukesh Tatwal said that violators would have to pay a Rs 2,000 (around $24) fine for the Rs 5,000 (around $60) if they defy this order for the second time. He also said that the order was only aimed at ensuring safety and transparency and clarified that it was not intended to target Muslim shopkeepers. Also read | 'Kanwar Yatra' in India: Why is THIS move of UP Police being compared to 'Nazi Germany'? Critics of the order The plea, as per PTI news agency, was filed by multiple stakeholders, including the NGO Association of Protection of Civil Rights, TMC MP Mahua Moitra and others. MP Moitra, in her plea, contented that the order could aggravate discord between communities. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Supreme Court halts orders requiring eateries to display owner names along Kanwar Yatra route

Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath has directed all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners throughout the state. The Kanwar Yatra is set to commence on July 22.

This order comes after the Uttar Pradesh police in Muzaffarnagar amended their directive, making it optional for eateries to display owners’ names, following criticism from opposition parties.

To ensure the Kanwar Yatra proceeds smoothly, Adityanath instructed that food and beverage shops along the Kanwar routes must show the name and identity of the operator/owner to uphold the pilgrims’ faith. Additionally, action will be taken against those selling halal-certified products, ANI reported.

As per the new rule, all food establishments, including restaurants, roadside dhabas, and food carts, must now display their owner's name.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal recently claimed that some Muslims are disguising themselves under Hindu names to sell non-vegetarian food to pilgrims. He mentioned that names like "Vaishno Dhaba Bhandar," "Shakumbhari Devi Bhojanalaya," and "Shuddh Bhojanalaya" are being used to sell non-vegetarian items.

The Muzaffarnagar Police had earlier requested that eateries along the Kanwar route “voluntarily display” the names of their owners and staff. They emphasised that this measure is intended solely to assist devotees and is not meant to foster any “religious discrimination.”

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand Police has instructed that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra routes display the owners' names on their boards.

Former Samajwadi Party MP Dr ST Hasan criticised this directive, stating, “…A message is being sent to boycott Muslim-owned businesses and support those owned by Hindus… How long will this communal mindset continue? Unfortunately, such incidents are increasing… This is creating a divide between the communities. These orders should be revoked…”

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UP state Congress chief Ajay Rai remarked, “This is completely impractical. It undermines the spirit of unity in society and aims to create rifts among people. This should be reversed immediately…”

Earlier on Thursday, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav described the order as a “social crime” and urged the court to intervene, raising concerns about the motives behind the government's actions.

“What can be learned from names like Guddu, Munna, Chhotu, or Fateh? The esteemed court should initiate suo-motu proceedings to probe the government's intentions and impose suitable penalties. Such orders are social crimes aimed at disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of harmony,” he said&nbsp;in a post on X.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath has directed all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners throughout the state.

Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath has directed all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners throughout the state. The Kanwar Yatra is set to commence on July 22. This order comes after the Uttar Pradesh police in Muzaffarnagar amended their directive, making it optional for eateries to display owners’ names, following criticism from opposition parties. To ensure the Kanwar Yatra proceeds smoothly, Adityanath instructed that food and beverage shops along the Kanwar routes must show the name and identity of the operator/owner to uphold the pilgrims’ faith. Additionally, action will be taken against those selling halal-certified products, ANI reported. As per the new rule, all food establishments, including restaurants, roadside dhabas, and food carts, must now display their owner's name. Uttar Pradesh Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal recently claimed that some Muslims are disguising themselves under Hindu names to sell non-vegetarian food to pilgrims. He mentioned that names like "Vaishno Dhaba Bhandar," "Shakumbhari Devi Bhojanalaya," and "Shuddh Bhojanalaya" are being used to sell non-vegetarian items. The Muzaffarnagar Police had earlier requested that eateries along the Kanwar route “voluntarily display” the names of their owners and staff. They emphasised that this measure is intended solely to assist devotees and is not meant to foster any “religious discrimination.” Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand Police has instructed that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra routes display the owners' names on their boards. Former Samajwadi Party MP Dr ST Hasan criticised this directive, stating, “…A message is being sent to boycott Muslim-owned businesses and support those owned by Hindus… How long will this communal mindset continue? Unfortunately, such incidents are increasing… This is creating a divide between the communities. These orders should be revoked…” Also read: Historic! India's top court to hear plea challenging governor's immunity in sexual assault case UP state Congress chief Ajay Rai remarked, “This is completely impractical. It undermines the spirit of unity in society and aims to create rifts among people. This should be reversed immediately…” Earlier on Thursday, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav described the order as a “social crime” and urged the court to intervene, raising concerns about the motives behind the government's actions. “What can be learned from names like Guddu, Munna, Chhotu, or Fateh? The esteemed court should initiate suo-motu proceedings to probe the government's intentions and impose suitable penalties. Such orders are social crimes aimed at disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of harmony,” he said in a post on X. (With inputs from agencies)

India: CM Yogi Adityanath orders eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes in UP to display owners' names

Local police in Muzaffarnagar city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh are facing flak for their so-called controversial order for all food joints along the 'Kanwar Yatra' route.

Local police in Muzaffarnagar city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh are facing flak for their so-called controversial order for all food joints along the 'Kanwar Yatra' route. In an advisory on Thursday (Jul 18), the Muzaffarnagar police asked all food joints along the route to display their owner's name prominently to avoid "confusion" during the religious procession. During a press conference, Abhishek Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Muzaffarnagar, said: "Preparations have begun for the 'Kanwar Yatra'. In the area under our jurisdiction, which is around 240 km, all eateries, hotels, dhabas, and thelas (roadside carts) have been instructed to display the names of their proprietors or those running the shop." "This is being done to ensure that there's no confusion among the 'Kanwariyas' and no allegations are raised in the future, leading to a law and order situation. Everyone is following this of their own free will," Singh said. Also read: India: How terrorists are shifting gears with focus on Jammu as hotbed of terror The controversy erupted when All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi claimed that this move was to ensure no 'Kanwariya' buys anything from a Muslim owner's shop. In a post on X, Owaisi said, "As per the order of the Uttar Pradesh Police, now every food shop or cart owner must put his name on the board so that no Kanwadia buys anything from a Muslim shop by mistake. This was called Apartheid in South Africa and in Hitler's Germany, it was called 'Judenboycott'." उत्तर प्रदेश पुलिस के आदेश के अनुसार अब हर खाने वाली दुकान या ठेले के मालिक को अपना नाम बोर्ड पर लगाना होगा ताकि कोई कांवड़िया गलती से मुसलमान की दुकान से कुछ न खरीद ले। इसे दक्षिण अफ्रीका में अपारथाइड कहा जाता था और हिटलर की जर्मनी में इसका नाम 'Judenboycott' था। https://t.co/lgvCf2HoQE — Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) July 17, 2024 × Also read: India issues advisory amid Bangladesh unrest; Students announce nationwide shutdown, to continue protests Javed Akhtar, who is a Bollywood lyricist and screenwriter, even compared the move with Nazi Germany and raised concerns over why such instructions had been put out by the police. Akhtar posted on X: "Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops restaurants and even vehicles should show the owner's name prominently and clearly. Why? In Nazi Germany, they used to make only a mark on particular shops and houses." Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops restaurants n even vehicles should show the name of the owner prominently and clearly . Why ? . In Nazi Germany they used to make only a mark on… — Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) July 18, 2024 × Earlier this month, Chief Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh government Manoj Kumar Singh and Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar held a meeting ahead of the yatra. They said that the government would monitor the upcoming Kanwar Yatra with a helicopter and also shower flowers on 'Kanwariyas'. The government directed the officials that "good behaviour" should be maintained towards the 'Kanwariyas' as it is the government's responsibility to ensure the safe completion of the yatra. He said that special attention should be paid towards the cleanliness of Kanwar camps and routes and efforts should be made to make the yatra completely plastic-free. What is 'Kanwar Yatra'? People from different parts of India walk to Rishikesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand state during the holy month of Sawan, which this year starts on July 22, to collect water from the Ganga river and bring it back to offer to their deity in Shiva temples. (With inputs from agencies)

'Kanwar Yatra' in India: Why is THIS move of UP Police being compared to 'Nazi Germany'?

Kanwar Yatra, a huge religious pilgrimage in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has been cancelled due to Covid fears. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP) took this decision a day after the government held talks with Kanwar Sanghs (organisations). The talks were initiated talks after a nudge from Supreme Court of India.

In Kanwar Yatra, Lord Shiva devotees from northern Indian states travel on foot or by other means to collect water from River Ganga at Haridwar in Uttarakhand state. It is then&nbsp;offered at Shiva temples in their areas.&nbsp;The pilgrimage was set to begin from July 25.&nbsp;

According to Uttar Pradesh government officials, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Avnish Awasthi and Director General of Police Mukul Goel held discussions with the Kanwar Sanghs on the instructions of the Chief Minister.

Earlier on July 9, the Chief Minister had said that he would hold talks with the Kanwar Sanghs.&nbsp;

"The officers should try to take decisions like last year by communicating with the Kanwar Sangh at the local level. Last year too, after talks with the administration, the Kanwar Sangh had announced the suspension of the yatra," Adityanath said.

On Friday, Supreme Court of India had granted one last opportunity to UP government to reconsider its decision of holding "symbolic Kanwar Yatra" amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The court had said that right to life of Indian citizens was paramount.

A Bench headed by Justice Rohinton F Nariman gave an ultimatum to the Uttar Pradesh government to either "reconsider" its decision or the court will pass orders. Uttarakhand government has already decided to cancel the Kanwar Yatra this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delhi cancels Kanwar yatra as well

Delhi has followed UP and Uttarakhand on Sunday (July 18) to cancel&nbsp;Kanwar yatra this year due to Covid situation. Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has passed an order in this regard

"Whereas upcoming Kanwar Yatra-2021, will commence from July 25, 2021, and in spite of being banned/ suspended by Uttarakhand Government, there is an apprehension of gatherings/ congregations processions during Kanwar Yatra-2021, therefore, in view of persisting COVID-19 situation, it is decided that Kanwar Yatra-2021 should not be permitted in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus in the territory of NCT of Delhi," read the order.

Chaiperson of DDMA directed that no celebrations, processions, gatherings shall be allowed during the forthcoming Kanwar Yatra-2021 starting from July 25, 2021, in the national capital

Earlier, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh governments decided to call off the Kanwar Yatra in view of COVID-19.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kanwar Yatra, a huge religious pilgrimage in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has been cancelled due to Covid fears. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP) took this decision a day after the government held talks with Kanwar Sanghs (organisations).

Kanwar Yatra, a huge religious pilgrimage in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has been cancelled due to Covid fears. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP) took this decision a day after the government held talks with Kanwar Sanghs (organisations). The talks were initiated talks after a nudge from Supreme Court of India. In Kanwar Yatra, Lord Shiva devotees from northern Indian states travel on foot or by other means to collect water from River Ganga at Haridwar in Uttarakhand state. It is then offered at Shiva temples in their areas. The pilgrimage was set to begin from July 25. According to Uttar Pradesh government officials, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Avnish Awasthi and Director General of Police Mukul Goel held discussions with the Kanwar Sanghs on the instructions of the Chief Minister. Earlier on July 9, the Chief Minister had said that he would hold talks with the Kanwar Sanghs. "The officers should try to take decisions like last year by communicating with the Kanwar Sangh at the local level. Last year too, after talks with the administration, the Kanwar Sangh had announced the suspension of the yatra," Adityanath said. On Friday, Supreme Court of India had granted one last opportunity to UP government to reconsider its decision of holding "symbolic Kanwar Yatra" amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The court had said that right to life of Indian citizens was paramount. A Bench headed by Justice Rohinton F Nariman gave an ultimatum to the Uttar Pradesh government to either "reconsider" its decision or the court will pass orders. Uttarakhand government has already decided to cancel the Kanwar Yatra this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delhi cancels Kanwar yatra as well Delhi has followed UP and Uttarakhand on Sunday (July 18) to cancel Kanwar yatra this year due to Covid situation. Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has passed an order in this regard "Whereas upcoming Kanwar Yatra-2021, will commence from July 25, 2021, and in spite of being banned/ suspended by Uttarakhand Government, there is an apprehension of gatherings/ congregations processions during Kanwar Yatra-2021, therefore, in view of persisting COVID-19 situation, it is decided that Kanwar Yatra-2021 should not be permitted in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus in the territory of NCT of Delhi," read the order. Chaiperson of DDMA directed that no celebrations, processions, gatherings shall be allowed during the forthcoming Kanwar Yatra-2021 starting from July 25, 2021, in the national capital Earlier, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh governments decided to call off the Kanwar Yatra in view of COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies)

Annual mega religious pilgrimage in India cancelled due to Covid fears

All sentiments, including religion, are subservient to the Right to Life, the Supreme Court said on Friday and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to inform by July 19 whether it would reconsider its decision to hold a "symbolic"&nbsp;Kanwar Yatra.

"One thing is clear; we cannot allow the Uttar Pradesh government to hold 100 per cent physical Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid. We are all citizens of India. This suo motu case is taken as Article 21 applies to all of us. It is to safeguard all of us", the top court said.

The Centre told the top court that the state governments must not permit any kind of Kanwar yatra&nbsp;in view of the pandemic and arrangements should be made for water from the Ganges to be available through tankers at designated places.

The Uttarakhand government earlier this week cancelled the annual ritual that sees thousands of Shiva devotees called 'kanwariyas' travel mostly on foot to collect water from the Ganges and bring it back to their villages.

Uttar Pradesh is going ahead with a pared-down 'symbolic'&nbsp;version.

A bench of Justices R F Nariman and B R Gavai said the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution is paramount and asked the Uttar Pradesh government whether it was willing to reconsider its decision to hold a yatra at all.

The apex court's direction came after the Uttar Pradesh government told the bench it has decided after relevant discussions to hold a 'symbolic'&nbsp;Kanwar Yatra with appropriate Covid restrictions.

"Total ban on the yatra will be inappropriate," senior advocate C S Vaidyanathan, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, told the court.

He said they have filed an affidavit stating that a symbolic yatra would be held with the minimum presence of devotees and also keeping in mind religious sentiments.

The top court after perusing the affidavit of the UP government which explained how 'symbolic' Kanwar Yatra will take place in the state, noted that it has pointed out to Vaidyanathan that given the Covid pandemic and the fear that looms over all the citizens of India of a third wave of the pandemic whether the authorities would be in a position to reconsider holding or the allowing, for compelling religious reasons, of this yatra in physical form at all.

It noted in its order that Vaidyanathan responded positively to the court's suggestion and asked for time to come out with an additional affidavit by July 19, to apprise this Court as to whether there can be a reconsideration of holding the physical 'Kanwar yatra' at all.

On July 14, the top court took suo motu cognisance of media reports on the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to allow the yatra amid the Covid pandemic and sought responses from the state as well as the Centre "given the disparate political voices" on the matter.

The top court had said it was a 'little disturbed'&nbsp;to read that Uttar Pradesh has chosen to continue with the 'Kanwar Yatra', while Uttarakhand had decided against it.

All sentiments, including religion, are subservient to the Right to Life, the Supreme Court said on Friday and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to inform by July 19 whether it would reconsider its decision to hold a "symbolic" Kanwar Yatra.

All sentiments, including religion, are subservient to the Right to Life, the Supreme Court said on Friday and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to inform by July 19 whether it would reconsider its decision to hold a "symbolic" Kanwar Yatra. "One thing is clear; we cannot allow the Uttar Pradesh government to hold 100 per cent physical Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid. We are all citizens of India. This suo motu case is taken as Article 21 applies to all of us. It is to safeguard all of us", the top court said. The Centre told the top court that the state governments must not permit any kind of Kanwar yatra in view of the pandemic and arrangements should be made for water from the Ganges to be available through tankers at designated places. The Uttarakhand government earlier this week cancelled the annual ritual that sees thousands of Shiva devotees called 'kanwariyas' travel mostly on foot to collect water from the Ganges and bring it back to their villages. Uttar Pradesh is going ahead with a pared-down 'symbolic' version. A bench of Justices R F Nariman and B R Gavai said the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution is paramount and asked the Uttar Pradesh government whether it was willing to reconsider its decision to hold a yatra at all. The apex court's direction came after the Uttar Pradesh government told the bench it has decided after relevant discussions to hold a 'symbolic' Kanwar Yatra with appropriate Covid restrictions. "Total ban on the yatra will be inappropriate," senior advocate C S Vaidyanathan, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, told the court. He said they have filed an affidavit stating that a symbolic yatra would be held with the minimum presence of devotees and also keeping in mind religious sentiments. The top court after perusing the affidavit of the UP government which explained how 'symbolic' Kanwar Yatra will take place in the state, noted that it has pointed out to Vaidyanathan that given the Covid pandemic and the fear that looms over all the citizens of India of a third wave of the pandemic whether the authorities would be in a position to reconsider holding or the allowing, for compelling religious reasons, of this yatra in physical form at all. It noted in its order that Vaidyanathan responded positively to the court's suggestion and asked for time to come out with an additional affidavit by July 19, to apprise this Court as to whether there can be a reconsideration of holding the physical 'Kanwar yatra' at all. On July 14, the top court took suo motu cognisance of media reports on the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to allow the yatra amid the Covid pandemic and sought responses from the state as well as the Centre "given the disparate political voices" on the matter. The top court had said it was a 'little disturbed' to read that Uttar Pradesh has chosen to continue with the 'Kanwar Yatra', while Uttarakhand had decided against it.

Supreme Court asks UP to reconsider Kanwar Yatra decision

India's Gangetic plains were once again recently flooded with hordes of saffron-garbed pilgrims known as "kanwariyas," chanting the mantra “Bol Bam” and often high on marijuana, who spared no efforts to please the revered god Shiva on the auspicious Hindu month of Shravan during the peak monsoon season of July-August.

Saffron-clad, dope-using Indian pilgrims flood Ganges' plains to honor Shiva

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