Kanwar Yatra 2025: Massive Surge of Dak Kanwars Overwhelms Highways and Ghats in Haridwar
Haridwar – The final day of the Shravan month Kanwar Mela witnessed an unprecedented surge of Dak Kanwar pilgrims in the holy city of Haridwar, as millions of devotees thronged the Ganga ghats and highways, creating a spectacle of spiritual fervor and logistical chaos.
By early Tuesday morning, iconic pilgrimage sites like Har Ki Pauri, along with Motichur, Vishnu Ghat, Khadkhadi, and Moti Bazaar, were brimming with Kanwariyas. Despite extensive preparations, the overwhelming crowd rendered highways narrow and ghats insufficient. The sheer volume of devotees running with Ganga Jal (holy water) in hand, especially those partaking in the high-speed Dak Kanwar, pushed the city’s infrastructure to its limits.
Highways Choked, Crowd Spillovers on Both Sides
With lakhs of pilgrims rushing towards Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh after collecting water from the Ganges, the northern Haridwar highway witnessed persistent congestion. While traffic towards Uttar Pradesh remained sluggish but operational, the sheer density of Kanwariyas on foot, motorcycles, and on the wrong side of the highway posed continuous challenges.
In several stretches, Dak Kanwar groups – known for their rapid, uninterrupted journeys – occupied both sides of the road, running against traffic and often risking their lives. Local traffic came to a near standstill in many areas.
Police Take Charge, Top Brass on Ground
Faced with this massive influx, Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobal personally supervised traffic management on the ground. Police teams were seen guiding groups, clearing congestion, and attempting to ensure the smooth passage of pilgrims. Despite their efforts, pedestrian movement remained extremely difficult at major chokepoints like ARTO Tiraaha, Saptarishi Flyover, and Sarvanand Ghat.
After sunset and the completion of the evening Ganga Aarti, crowds began to thin slightly, offering temporary respite.
Over 7.5 Million Pilgrims on Final Day
Officials estimate that over 7.5 million Kanwariyas carried Ganga water from Haridwar to offer at Neelkanth Mahadev, marking a record turnout on the last day of the Mela. The influx was so significant that it caused ripple effects across transport, emergency services, and local access.
Ambulances Stuck, Fire Incidents Reported
In one alarming instance, ambulances got stuck in the traffic jam, delaying emergency services. Moreover, two motorcycles caught fire on the highway – reportedly due to overheating engines lacking silencers. Firefighters, assisted by police, managed to control the blaze without any casualties.
Devotion Meets Chaos
The 2025 Kanwar Yatra, especially its concluding day, showcased the unshakable faith of millions. But it also highlighted the urgent need for stronger crowd control mechanisms, wider road management, and emergency preparedness in handling such colossal gatherings in pilgrimage towns.
As Haridwar slowly returns to normalcy, the scale of this year’s pilgrimage will remain etched as both a testimony to religious devotion and a call for better urban planning during future mass pilgrimages.
