Traffic restrictions across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh as Kanwar Yatra begins | Check affected routes

Traffic restrictions have been implemented across Uttar Pradesh and Delhi as the annual Kanwar Yatra commenced with the start of the Shravan month. This significant Hindu pilgrimage is expected to draw over four crore devotees to Haridwar. During the Kanwar Yatra, devotees of Lord Shiva, known as 'Kanwariyas,' travel considerable distances to collect holy water from the Ganga river in Haridwar. They then carry this water back to their local Shiva temples to perform 'jalabhishek,' a ritual offering of water. Security has been heightened in Delhi, with police deploying personnel at key locations and issuing advisories about potential disruptions on roads like Najafgarh Firni Road, Rohtak Road, and the Outer Ring Road. In Uttar Pradesh, phased traffic restrictions are in effect, particularly in western regions. Authorities have established medical facilities, CCTV surveillance, and relief teams along the pilgrimage routes. Measures such as clearing liquor shops and non-vegetarian eateries from the route have also been taken. The restrictions are expected to affect travel between Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Saharanpur, potentially leading to longer travel times and increased fares. In Ghaziabad, heavy goods vehicles entering from Delhi are being diverted to alternative expressways. Bareilly district has deployed over 3,900 police personnel and organized security management into zones and sectors to ensure the safety of the estimated 25,000 participants in the district.