Lucknow, Aug 2026 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called upon people to transform the annual Kanwar Yatra into a celebration of social responsibility, service, discipline and mutual cooperation, stressing that the pilgrimage is much more than a religious ritual.
In a message to the people of Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath said several traditions in India go beyond religious practices and evolve into institutions that reflect the country’s social values, cultural heritage, discipline and public life. The Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Shravan, he said, is one such unique tradition that brings crores of devotees together through their common devotion to Lord Shiva.
The Chief Minister said that during the pilgrimage, every devotee is identified simply as a Kanwariya. The saffron attire, the kanwar carried on the shoulder and unwavering faith in Lord Shiva create a common identity among the pilgrims. While devotees may walk at different speeds and follow different routes, their ultimate objective remains the same — to offer sacred Ganga water to Lord Shiva.
He emphasised that distinctions of caste, class, language, region and economic status lose their significance during the Kanwar Yatra. “Kanwar Yatra is a great festival of harmony and a living example of the principle of equality in Sanatan culture,” he said.
Recalling the traditional story associated with the pilgrimage, Adityanath said Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison that emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean to save creation. He subsequently came to be known as Neelkanth. According to tradition, the gods performed an abhishek of Lord Shiva with Ganga water to provide relief from the heat of the poison. Since then, offering Ganga water to Shiva during Shravan has been considered especially sacred.
The Chief Minister said the Kanwar Yatra conveys important messages of austerity, service, self-control and cooperation. “Austerity strengthens character, service improves society and unity makes the nation stronger,” he said, urging devotees to embody these values during the pilgrimage.
Adityanath also praised devotees who undertake the difficult journey despite physical challenges, including persons with disabilities. Their determination, faith and dedication, he said, represent the greatest strength of the Kanwar tradition.
He assured devotees that the state government remains committed to ensuring that every pilgrim completes the journey safely, comfortably and with dignity. Extensive arrangements have been made along the routes, including floral showers to welcome Kanwariyas, cleanliness drives, organised camps, safe drinking water, medical facilities, toilets, adequate lighting, traffic management and continuous surveillance through dedicated control rooms.
At the same time, the Chief Minister appealed to devotees and the wider public to shoulder their responsibility in maintaining the sanctity and dignity of the pilgrimage. He urged pilgrims to use environment-friendly kanwars and take a pledge to avoid plastic during the journey.
Adityanath also appealed to people to give priority to ambulances and school vehicles travelling on Kanwar routes. He said even a small act of awareness and consideration could provide crucial assistance to someone in need.
“The government is committed to your convenience and safety, but maintaining the dignity of this sacred tradition is the responsibility of all of us,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that faith, discipline, restraint and service form the essence of the Kanwar Yatra. By embracing these values, he said, devotees can ensure that the pilgrimage not only remains a powerful expression of devotion to Lord Shiva but also becomes a meaningful reflection of social harmony, public welfare and India’s enduring cultural traditions.
