Kanwar Yatra, the annual pilgrimage of devotees of Lord Shiva, is currently underway and will conclude on August 11, 2026, on the day of Shivratri. The pilgrimage, which began on July 30, has resulted in heavy pedestrian and pilgrimage traffic, prompting authorities to issue specific advisories to ease the commute of citizens in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana.
Traffic Restrictions and Advisories
Due to the large number of pilgrims, traffic restrictions have been imposed in several areas, including Delhi, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad. The Delhi Traffic Police has warned commuters of potential traffic congestion on certain routes and has advised them to plan their commutes in advance and allow sufficient additional travel time.
Affected Areas and Restrictions
- Delhi: Kalindi Kunj junction, Okhla Barrage road, Noida-Kalindi Kunj road, and Okhla Bird Sanctuary will be closed for general traffic from August 11-12, 2026.
- Gurugram: Heavy vehicle movement entering Delhi via Haridwar return paths will be restricted from August 9-11, 2026.
- Ghaziabad: Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) will be restricted for general traffic on August 10 and 11, 2026.
Commuters are advised to use alternate routes, such as NH-9 and NH-44 in Delhi, Dwarka Expressway in Gurugram, and NH-09 in Ghaziabad.
What is Kanwar Yatra?
Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage where devotees of Lord Shiva collect holy water from the Ganges River and take it to their local temples, often walking barefoot for long distances. The pilgrimage occurs during July-August, depending on the Hindu calendar month of ‘Shravan.’
Source: Original Article
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