Wednesday, 31 JULY 2024 | PURNIMA BISHT | DEHRADUN
Kanwad Yatra, a revered Hindu pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva, has long been a symbol of devotion and spiritual fervour. However, the obnoxious behaviour of some Kanwadias in recent years has cast a shadow over this sacred event. The conduct of Kanwadias has not only disrupted public order but also tarnished the festival’s image, causing widespread concern among residents and authorities alike. One of the most pressing issues in Haridwar, a prominent hub of the Yatra, has been the blatant disregard for traffic rules this year by many Kanwadias. Instead of following predetermined routes, some ‘pilgrims’ have been resorting to risky shortcuts such as jumping railings and damaging public property to access highways. Such reckless actions pose significant risks, which may potentially lead to fatal accidents. When police personnel attempt to intervene, they often face hostility and non-compliance from the Kanwadias, exacerbating the situation and undermining the efforts to maintain public safety.
Besides this, violence has also become a troubling aspect of the Kanwad Yatra. Incidents of aggression over minor disputes have also been reported from Haridwar, Pauri and Rishikesh, that also damaged the pilgrimage’s reputation. In a notable case, three Kanwadias were arrested for assaulting parking lot attendants over a trivial parking issue involving their tractor in Muni Ki Reti. The altercation resulted in injuries, with one attendant needing hospitalization at AIIMS-Rishikesh. Similar incidents have occurred with e-rickshaw drivers, truck drivers and locals where even the slightest contact with the Kanwads has led to violent reactions, despite no actual damage being done, as per police reports. A bike-borne Kanwadia also allegedly hit the circle officer of Jwalapur in Haridwar, Shantanu Parasar, in the wee hours of Monday, who sustained severe injuries.
Another alarming trend is the disregard for safety warnings concerning the Ganga River. Despite multiple cautions from authorities, some Kanwadias go too deep into the river, risking their lives. In the past 10 days, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescued over 128 drowning Kanwadias. These incidents not only endanger the lives of the pilgrims but also strain the resources and efforts of the rescue teams. The Kanwadias’ disruptive behaviour extends beyond physical altercations and safety violations. Many play loud music on DJs, flouting regulations and ride motorbikes with illegal modifications, creating noise pollution and disturbing the peace. The sight of tripling is also common, further violating traffic laws. Accusations of vandalism in eateries and other public places have surfaced, painting the Kanwadias as a group involved in malicious destruction rather than spiritual pursuit. Besides this, some women have also accused some Kanwadias of making lewd comments about them on roads.
A Rishikesh resident Monika Negi said, “I was going towards Dehradun two days ago via my scooty when some Kanwadais said something. I thought they were asking something so I stopped to listen since they were all dressed in religious clothes carrying lord Shiva’s Trishul and pictures. However, I was shocked when they made lewd comments and laughed at me. I felt helpless so I just left. It was a horrible experience for me.” The cumulative effect of these behaviours has significantly impacted the public perception of Kanwad Yatra. A senior citizen and Dehradun resident Tej Singh Bisht said, “What was once seen as a profound religious journey, it is now increasingly being viewed as an occasion marked by chaos and lawlessness. The negative image being created by the actions of some Kanwadias not only disrespects the sanctity of the pilgrimage but also alienates the local communities and other devotees who wish to participate peacefully. It is crucial for authorities and community leaders to address these issues proactively.”
A Haridwar resident Yashpal Kumar also said that the younger generation has started bashing Kanwad Yatra on social media because of such behaviour of Kanwadias because they associate violence and violation with Kanwad Yatra as this is what they are observing. “I believe that stricter enforcement of rules, increased awareness campaigns and fostering a sense of responsibility among the Kanwadias can help restore the Yatra’s dignity and ensure it remains a respected and cherished tradition. Only by curbing the disruptive behaviours and promoting a culture of respect and discipline can the true spirit of Kanwad Yatra be preserved for future generations,” he said.
Talking about the blatant violations of laws by some Kanwadias, the inspector general of police of the Garhwal region KS Nagnyal said, “Police have to face several challenges during Kanwad Yatra duty and everything is being carried out efficiently so far. We have been continuously appealing to Kanwadias to cooperate and not cross their limit. The police are also taking strict action against the offenders accordingly to maintain peace, law and order during the Yatra.”
