Kanwar Yatra 2026 begins: Dates, routes, traffic curbs and key places to know
New Delhi: The Kanwar Yatra 2026 began on Thursday, July 30, bringing large groups of Shiva devotees onto highways across Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar and Jharkhand. Dressed mainly in saffron, Kanwariyas will walk long distances carrying Ganga water to temples during the holy month of Sawan.
The annual pilgrimage will continue until Sawan Shivratri on August 11. Traffic movement is expected to remain slow on several key routes during the coming days, especially as crowds rise between August 7 and August 11. Police and local administrations have introduced diversions, pedestrian lanes and security checks in many areas.
Kanwar Yatra 2026 dates
The pilgrimage started on July 30, the first day of Sawan. Pilgrim movement is likely to increase steadily through early August.
The main dates are:
- July 30: Kanwar Yatra begins
- August 7 to August 11: Peak travel and crowd period
- August 11: Sawan Shivratri and the main day for jalabhishek
Most devotees are expected to complete their walk before or on August 11. Road conditions may begin returning to normal after August 12, though local diversions can continue for a little longer.
What happens during the Kanwar Yatra?
Kanwariyas travel to places along the Ganga to collect holy water in small containers called kalash. These containers are tied to both ends of a decorated bamboo pole known as a Kanwar.
The pilgrims then carry the water back to Shiva temples in their home towns. Many walk barefoot or wear thin slippers through rain, heat and crowded roads.
The Kanwar is usually not placed directly on the ground during the journey. Devotees use special stands at rest camps when they stop for food or sleep.
For many families, the yatra is linked to a personal prayer, a vow or a long-held tradition. Some pilgrims walk for several days. Others join shorter local routes.
Major Kanwar Yatra routes
Haridwar remains one of the busiest starting points. Har Ki Pauri receives large crowds of pilgrims who collect Ganga water before walking towards Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.
The Delhi to Haridwar corridor is expected to see heavy movement. Roads around Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee and Ghaziabad may face long queues and diversions.
Some pilgrims travel towards Gangotri and Gaumukh in Uttarakhand. These mountain routes are harder and can be affected by rain, landslides and sudden weather changes.
In eastern India, the Sultanganj to Baidyanath Dham route is another major pilgrimage stretch. Devotees carry water for around 105 kilometres from Sultanganj in Bihar to Deoghar in Jharkhand.
Traffic restrictions and travel advice
Authorities often reserve sections of busy roads for Kanwariyas during peak days. Parts of the Delhi Meerut corridor and the Ganga Canal road can face restrictions.
Heavy commercial vehicles may be moved to alternate routes. This can increase traffic on nearby roads too.
People travelling towards Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun should expect delays in early August. Trains may be a more practical option on the busiest days.
Drivers should check local police advisories before leaving home. Extra travel time will be needed, especially during evenings and weekends.
Security measures during the yatra
Police deployment has been increased along major routes, temples and river ghats. Drones, temporary CCTV cameras, patrol teams and control rooms are being used to monitor crowds.
Medical camps have been set up at several places to treat dehydration, injuries and foot blisters. Volunteers and local groups are running sewa camps with drinking water, food and resting areas.
Authorities are also checking tall Kanwars, loud music systems and vehicles travelling with pilgrim groups. These checks are aimed at reducing accidents near electric wires, bridges and crowded roads.