As soon as the month of Sawan starts, saffron starts waving on the roads of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Lakhs of Kanwariyas move towards their villages and cities with Ganga water from Haridwar, Gomukh and Gangotri. But this time, even before the start of Kanwar Yatra, a controversy has arisen which has heated up the atmosphere of the entire state. This matter, which started from Muzaffarnagar, has now become a matter of debate from social media to the streets. Let us know in the explainer how the hate market starts with the Kanwar Yatra…

Controversy begins: An order that shocked everyone

On 11-12 July 2026, Muzaffarnagar district administration issued an order. It was said that all the shops, hotels, dhabas, street vendors and food stalls falling on the route of Kanwar Yatra will have to clearly mention the names of the owners and employees. Along with this, food information will also have to be shown. The administration’s reasoning behind this was that this would make it easier for the Kanwariyas to know where they are staying and where they are eating.

It was also said that under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI) it is already mandatory for every food seller to declare his identity. The administration also said that in the last few years, due to rumors, mobs vandalized shops and law and order deteriorated. The nameplate will make it clear who is the owner of which shop and rumors will be stopped.

Minister’s statement adds fuel to the fire

This controversy deepened when Uttar Pradesh Vocational Education and Skill Development Minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal openly supported this order. He said, ‘Kanwar Yatra is a symbol of faith of crores of devotees. This is a positive initiative to protect their religious sentiments and purity. There should be no harm in every shopkeeper revealing his identity.

After this statement of the minister, opposition parties and social organizations reacted sharply. Samajwadi Party spokesperson said that this is a well thought out strategy of the government to divide the society. Congress called it against the basic spirit of the Constitution. Muslim organizations said that this would target businessmen of a particular community.

Salt again applied to the wound of 2024

This is not the first time that a controversy has arisen over the nameplate during the Kanwar Yatra. In 2024 also, similar orders were issued in many districts of BJP ruled Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Then this matter reached the Supreme Court.

On July 22, 2024, the Supreme Court bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice SVN Bhatti issued an interim order while hearing the matter. The court clearly said that ‘food shops, dhabas and street vendors cannot be forced to display their names.’ However, the court also said that it is the right of the administration to ensure cleanliness and health standards are followed. Despite this, this controversy is being repeated every year. Why after all?

Market of hate: what happens with it?

Experts believe that such orders serve not only administrative but also political purposes. There are three big aspects to this:

1. Fear of economic boycott

When the name of a shop on the Kanwar Yatra route is made public, many travelers may avoid going there after seeing a particular name. This has a direct impact on the livelihood of that shopkeeper. A Dhaba operator from Muzaffarnagar told the media, ‘We earn the whole year in Sawan. If customers do not come this time, our business will be ruined.

2. Spreading social polarization

Political analysts believe that such controversies are part of the election strategy. Lakhs of people participating in Kanwar Yatra are important voters of North India. Efforts are made to attract majority vote bank by keeping their religious sentiments at the centre. At the same time, the opposition sees the Muslim vote bank shifting towards itself. This game directly fuels the market of hatred.

3. Attack on small businessmen

According to FSSAI rules, registered food business operators are required to disclose their identity in advance. But small street vendors without valid licenses are most vulnerable to this order. Due to this, they are either forced to close their shops or become victims of discrimination.

What is the condition of Kanwar Yatra this year?

• Scale of Kanwar Yatra 2026: This time the Kanwar Yatra will start from 30th July and continue till 11th August. It is estimated that around 4.5 crore Kanwariyas will participate in this yatra.
• Major Routes: The most crowded routes are from Haridwar to Delhi, Meerut-Hapur and Saharanpur-Shamli-Baghpat. Shops on these routes have been ordered to install nameplates.
• Estimate of business loss: According to the estimates of Uttar Pradesh Industry Trade Board, the annual turnover of small businessmen falling on the route during Kanwar Yatra is around Rs 5,000 crore. In such a situation, it is expected that 20-30% business will be affected due to the nameplate dispute.
• Last year’s FIR: During the Kanwar Yatra of 2024, more than 15 minor and major incidents of communal conflict were recorded in Western UP, out of which 8 cases were related to rumors and mobs storming shops.

Legal dilemma: What does the Constitution say?

Article 15 of the Indian Constitution protects every citizen from discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, sex or place of birth. Article 19(1)(g) gives any person the right to do business of his choice. The Supreme Court has already made it clear that forcing someone to reveal his identity can be a violation of constitutional rights.

The Supreme Court has tried to strike a balance. The court says that the administration can enforce rules in the name of health and cleanliness, but it cannot target any particular class. Even in 2026, if the matter goes to court, it is likely that the same attitude as in 2024 will be repeated.

Who is likely to win in politics vs constitution?

Under the current circumstances, this matter can proceed in three directions:

• Court Door: Social organizations have indicated that they will again challenge this order in the Supreme Court. If this happens, then it can be banned by citing the interim order of 2024.
• Administrative strictness and conflict: If the administration remains adamant on its order, there may be clashes between shopkeepers and the police at many places. Already some business organizations have threatened to disobey the order.
• Political advantages and disadvantages: This matter is a double-edged sword for the government. On one hand, its Hindutva vote bank is happy, while on the other hand, it may have to suffer losses due to its anti-minority image.

Kanwar Yatra which is a symbol of devotion and faith in Shiva should be saved from such controversies every year. Whether the decision is of the court or the street, the question is whether this time we will be able to stop the market of hatred from heating up?

Kanwar Yatra 2026: The month of Sawan is about to begin and with it the Kanwar Yatra, one of the biggest religious pilgrimages of North India, will also begin. Like every year, this time also lakhs of Shiva devotees will leave for Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan with Ganga water from Gangotri, Rishikesh and Haridwar.

Ghaziabad is considered the most important stop in this entire journey. The biggest reason for this is Dudheshwarnath Templewhich is believed to be here Lankapati Ravana and his father Maharishi Vishrava Had worshiped Lord Shiva. In such a situation, every year a large number of Kanwariyas come to this temple to perform Jalabhishek.

This is why Ghaziabad Police and Administration have started extensive preparations to make Kanwar Yatra 2026 safe, orderly and peaceful.

Why is Ghaziabad’s Dudheshwarnath temple special?

The ancient Dudheshwarnath temple located in Ghaziabad is a big center of faith for Shiva devotees. According to religious beliefs, Ravana and his father Maharishi Vishrava performed rigorous penance and worshiped Lord Shiva at this place. During Sawan and Kanwar Yatra, lakhs of devotees come here to offer Ganga water. For this reason, this temple becomes the busiest religious place on the Kanwar route.

Big preparations of police regarding Kanwar Yatra 2026:

According to Ghaziabad’s Additional Police Commissioner Rajkaran Nayyar, this time the security arrangements are being strengthened more than before to conduct the Kanwar Yatra smoothly.

Under the administration’s plan, 50 temporary police posts will be set up on the entire Kanwar route. Through these posts, police monitoring, assistance and quick response system will be strengthened, so that immediate action can be taken in any situation.

There will be police monitoring every 700 meters:

This time, to make the security arrangements more effective, the entire Kanwar route has been divided into 150 beats. Policemen will be deployed on every beat.

The most important thing is that every 700 meters Police force will be present at a distance of 1 km, while temporary police posts will be set up at an interval of about two and a half kilometers. With this, Kanwariyas will be able to get continuous protection and assistance.

Live monitoring of the entire journey will be done through CCTV:

Using modern technology, this time the administration will also install CCTV cameras on the entire Kanwar route. These cameras will be monitored from the control room.

If any information is received about crowding, accident, dispute or any other emergency, the police will be able to immediately reach the spot and take action. With this, the security system is expected to be more effective than before.

Special focus will be on Ganga Canal and Hindon River:

Due to rain during Sawan, the water level in Ganga Canal and Hindon River increases. In view of this, the administration has also made additional security arrangements.

Barricading will be done on the canals and river banks, so that the devotees do not become victims of any kind of accident. simultaneously SDRF, NDRF And water police Teams will also be deployed at sensitive places.

4500 policemen and 1500 volunteers will handle the arrangements:

During the entire Kanwar Yatra, approximately 4500 policemen Will be deployed. with these 1500 Police Mitras, Digital Volunteers, Traffic Volunteers, Kanwar Mitras And civil defense Volunteers will also assist in maintaining security and order.

Their objective will be to provide better guidance to the devotees, control traffic and provide immediate assistance if needed.

Traffic advisory will be issued soon:

Traffic on many major roads is affected due to the passage of lakhs of devotees during the Kanwar Yatra. In view of this, Ghaziabad Police will soon issue traffic diversion advisory. The administration has appealed to the common citizens to follow the guidelines issued during travel and use alternative routes, so that unnecessary trouble can be avoided.

Administration’s focus will be on both reverence and security:

Sawan and Kanwar Yatra are not only a festival of religious faith, but also a huge event with the participation of lakhs of people. In such a situation, the Ghaziabad administration is trying to ensure that the journey of Shiv devotees remains completely safe, smooth and organized. This time, preparations have been made to make the journey safer than before through modern surveillance system, additional police force, deployment of volunteers and traffic management.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based only on assumptions and information. It is important to mention here that ABPLive.com does not endorse or confirm any information. Before implementing any information or belief, consult the concerned expert.

Kanwar Yatra 2026: In the holy month of Saavan, the colors of Shiva devotion are being seen across the country. meanwhile Jharkhand Of Giridih districts Of Iron rods Resident Virat Singh has once again attracted people’s attention with his unique faith and dedication.

Virat Singh 51 liters of holy water on foot Sultanganj Have left for. His journey is not limited to just following religious traditions, but is also giving the message of unity, service and cultural values ​​in the society.

The journey started after worship at Rajdah Dham:

Before starting his walking journey, Virat Singh reached Rajdah Dham of the famous Uttaravahini River in Sariya and worshiped Lord Bholenath with all the rituals. He prayed to Lord Shiva for happiness, prosperity, peace of the area and well-being of all the devotees.

On this occasion, the members of Rajdah Dham Trust bid him farewell by presenting him a corset, flower garland and fruits. The atmosphere became devotional with the chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bol Bam” in the entire campus.

Virat Singh came out for Baba Basukinath for the fourth consecutive time:

Rajdah Dham Trust Of President Suresh Bharti Told that Virat Singh took water from Rajdah Dham for the fourth consecutive time. Baba Basukinath Have set out on a walking journey to offer water. According to him, this is not just a matter of personal reverence but also a matter of pride for the entire Sariya region.

He said that Virat Singh completes this difficult journey every year with full dedication and discipline, which also inspires the youth of the area to connect with religious and cultural traditions.

Will cover the difficult journey with 51 liters of water:

Kanwar Yatra is considered challenging in itself, but covering a long distance on foot carrying 51 liters of holy water is not easy. For this, along with physical ability, mental strength and unwavering faith is also required.

Virat Singh with this determination Sultanganj Will reach from where with Ganga water Baba Basukinath Will perform Jalabhishek on Shivalinga. After this his journey will conclude in Baba Nagri Deoghar.

Praying for the development and peace of the area:

Virat Singh told that his journey is not just to fulfill personal wishes. Every year they pray to Lord Shiva for the development of the area, happiness, peace in the society, brotherhood and welfare of all Shiva devotees.

He believes that religious journeys become a medium to connect people and spread positive energy in the society.

The journey is giving the message of unity to the society:

Virat Singh said that his journey is not limited to religious faith alone. Its objective is also to give the message of unity, cultural consciousness and respect for Indian traditions in the society.

He said that during the yatra, one gets a lot of love, support and blessings from people at various places. This affection gives them new energy to complete this difficult journey every year.

Emotional farewell ceremony took place amidst cheers:

Before the start of Virat Singh’s journey, a large number of Shiva devotees gathered at Rajdah Dham. Hundreds of devotees sent him off with good wishes and chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bol Bam”. A wonderful confluence of devotion, enthusiasm and reverence was seen in the entire atmosphere.

On this auspicious occasion of Sawan, this Padyatra of Virat Singh gives the message that true devotion is not limited only to worship, but also inspires to move forward with positive thinking towards society, culture and humanity. This initiative of his is not only inspiring for Shiva devotees, but is also a strong example of connecting the coming generations with our religious and cultural heritage.

Also read- Kanwar Yatra 2026: Going on Kanwar Yatra for the first time? Know the rules, what to do and what mistakes to avoid

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based only on assumptions and information. It is important to mention here that ABPLive.com does not endorse or confirm any information. Before implementing any information or belief, consult the concerned expert.

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