Haridwar: The Kanwar Yatra 2025 has taken a turbulent turn in Haridwar, with multiple incidents of violence and vandalism by Kanwariyas keeping the police and administration on edge. Traders, bearing the brunt of the unrest, have warned of shutting down markets if the situation does not improve.
On Sunday night, a group of Kanwariyas allegedly vandalized a spectacles shop near Har Ki Pauri following a minor dispute. The incident, captured on video, shows the shop being ransacked by angry pilgrims. Police acted swiftly and arrested two individuals from Haryana in connection with the case.
चश्मा लेने को लेकर हुए विवाद में हरिद्वार के अपर रोड में कांवड़ियों की भेष में कुछ असामाजिक तत्वों द्वारा तोड़फोड़ करने के सोशल मीडिया पर प्रसारित वीडियो का संज्ञान लेकर हरिद्वार पुलिस ने तुरंत मुकदमा दर्ज करते हुए हरियाणा निवासी 02 अभियुक्तों को गिरफ्तार किया।#KanwadYatra2025 pic.twitter.com/uJ1GWls94v
— Uttarakhand Police (@uttarakhandcops) July 14, 2025
Kanwariyas were involved in damaging vehicles in Roorkee
This is not an isolated event. Earlier, Kanwariyas were involved in damaging a Scorpio car in Roorkee, claiming the vehicle had broken their Kanwar. Several arrests were made in that case as well. Such incidents have sparked concern among local business owners, who say the atmosphere in Haridwar is becoming increasingly tense.
Traders held an emergency meeting with police and administrative officials
On Monday, traders held an emergency meeting with police and administrative officials to voice their grievances. Businessmen stated that miscreants disguised as Kanwariyas are disturbing the peace and misbehaving with shopkeepers. “We have always welcomed pilgrims with respect, but now the situation is intolerable. Some Kanwariyas have even assaulted traders,” they said.
District traders’ president Rajiv Parashar echoed the sentiment, saying, “It’s becoming impossible to conduct business during the Kanwar fair. If this continues, we will be forced to shut down the market.” On this, Haridwar Circle Officer Neeraj Semwal assured traders that the police are committed to maintaining law and order. “We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of traders and pilgrims alike,” he said after the meeting.
आम सड़क पर गुंडागर्दी कर शांति व्यवस्था प्रभावित करना उपद्रव करने वालों को पड़ा भारी
हरिद्वार के थाना बहादराबाद में किया गया प्रभावी धारा में अभियोग पंजीकृत। दो को किया गया मौके से गिरफ्तार विधिक कार्यवाही जारी।
हर श्रद्धालु का स्वागत है, लेकिन उपद्रव बर्दाश्त नहीं किया जाएगा। pic.twitter.com/cEipsAhezw
— Uttarakhand Police (@uttarakhandcops) July 14, 2025
Kanwar yatra 2025 has seen a rise in unruly behavior
The Kanwar Yatra, which began on July 11, has seen a surge in footfall this year. However, the rise in unruly behavior has overshadowed the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage. Reports suggest that some Kanwariyas are refusing to use the designated Kanwar track and are instead occupying highways, causing traffic disruptions and increasing the risk of accidents. Authorities have had to intervene multiple times to disperse crowds and restore order. In some cases, force was used when Kanwariyas refused to comply with police instructions.
Concerns to growing trend among young pilgrims to carry excessive amounts of Gangajal
Adding to the concerns is a growing trend among young pilgrims to carry excessive amounts of Gangajal—sometimes up to 200 liters—in a show of physical strength. Saints and doctors have voiced their disapproval, warning that such practices can lead to serious health issues. “Mahadev is pleased even with a single drop of water. There’s no need to compete or show off,” said a local saint. The administration is now working to strike a balance between facilitating the religious journey and ensuring public safety. Police presence has been increased in sensitive areas, and surveillance is being stepped up to prevent further incidents.