Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday appealed to Kanwar Yatra participants to maintain discipline and avoid any confrontation during the annual pilgrimage, stressing that even minor disturbances could be exploited to tarnish the religious event.
Addressing a gathering in Shamli, the Chief Minister said devotees should uphold the values associated with Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva throughout the yatra. He urged Kanwar associations to ensure the pilgrimage remains peaceful and dignified.
Yogi Adityanath said patience and self-discipline should guide every devotee taking part in the Kanwar Yatra. According to him, unnecessary disputes or acts of indiscipline could provide an opportunity for critics to target the pilgrimage. He also assured that the state government is making every effort to ensure the safety, convenience and smooth conduct of the yatra.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the “double-engine government” is committed to protecting religious traditions and providing full administrative support to devotees. At the same time, he called upon pilgrims to cooperate with authorities and maintain public order.
During his speech, Yogi Adityanath also criticised opposition parties, alleging that before 2017 religious events such as the Kanwar Yatra, Ram Navami processions and Krishna Janmashtami celebrations faced restrictions. He claimed the present government has adopted a different approach by encouraging religious events while ensuring security arrangements.
His appeal comes shortly after an incident in Muzaffarnagar drew attention on social media. According to police, a group of Kanwariyas allegedly damaged a pickup vehicle after it reportedly brushed against a Kanwar on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway near Purkazi on Wednesday night.
Police officials said the situation was brought under control soon after the incident. The pilgrims later resumed their journey, while the vehicle was seized for investigation. Traffic, which was briefly affected due to the commotion, was restored after police intervention.
The Chief Minister’s remarks are being seen as an effort to encourage devotees to complete the Kanwar Yatra peacefully while preventing isolated incidents from overshadowing the large-scale annual pilgrimage.
