Haridwar: The Kanwar Yatra 2025 concluded with an unprecedented turnout as more than 4.12 crore Shiva devotees thronged Haridwar over 12 days to collect Gangajal.
According to Haridwar SSP Pramod Singh Dobal, the final 24 hours alone saw 56 lakh Kanwar pilgrims departing Haridwar after performing rituals.
Last day of the fair witnessed a surge in postal Kanwar pilgrims
The last day of the fair witnessed a surge in postal Kanwar pilgrims, many traveling on two-wheelers. Their loud processions echoed through the city, prompting locals to stay indoors except for essential errands. Police maintained strict surveillance using drone cameras and CCTV across major routes and ghats to manage the massive crowd and ensure safety. From highways to city lanes, saffron-clad pilgrims filled the streets, creating a grand spectacle at Har ki Pauri and other ghats.
Police personnel have been deployed at all key locations
Security has been further tightened ahead of Shivaratri, with Jalabhishek ceremonies scheduled at prominent temples including Daksheshwar Mahadev, Bilkeshwar Mahadev, Tilbhandeshwar, Daridra Bhanjan, Neeleshwar Mahadev, Pashupati Nath, and Gupteshwar. Police personnel have been deployed at all key locations to oversee the rituals and manage the influx of devotees.
Pilgrims continued arriving through the night and early morning
Pilgrims from Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and nearby districts like Saharanpur and Bijnor continued arriving through the night and early morning to collect Gangajal. The movement of vehicles is expected to remain heavy until Wednesday afternoon as devotees head to Shivalayas for offerings.
Two minor Kanwar pilgrims killed in crash
However, the celebrations were marred by a tragic accident in Doiwala. Five minor Kanwar pilgrims returning to Dehradun on a single bike met with a fatal crash near the Bhaniyawala flyover. The bike, reportedly speeding during heavy rain, lost control and collided with a divider. Two teenagers, including a Muslim youth, died on the spot, while three others sustained injuries and were admitted to the Community Health Center in Doiwala.
Kotwali in-charge Inspector Kamal Kumar Lunthi confirmed that the accident occurred around 7:30 am on Monday. He noted that the minors were riding in violation of traffic norms, and the rain had made road conditions slippery. The incident has raised concerns over police oversight, as no preventive action was taken despite visible rule violations.
Yatra wraps up with Shivaratri celebrations
As the final leg of the Yatra wraps up with Shivaratri celebrations, authorities continue to monitor crowd movement and weather conditions. The record-breaking turnout this year reflects the enduring devotion of Shiva bhakts, but also underscores the importance of balancing faith with responsibility and vigilance.