Kanwar Yatra 2024: Devotion vs Daily Disruption in Delhi

For thousands of Kanwariyas making their annual pilgrimage, the Kanwar Yatra is a sacred journey of faith. For many Delhi residents living along the Grand Trunk Road, it is also a season of navigating road closures, detours and restricted access to essential services.

The 15-day pilgrimage, which began on July 30, has led to elaborate security arrangements, with Delhi Police, traffic police and CRPF personnel deployed along the route. While these measures aim to ensure the safety of pilgrims, they have significantly reshaped daily life for residents in areas such as Dilshad Garden, Shahdara and Jahangirpuri.

Kanwaljeet, a 34-year-old coaching teacher who is pregnant, described the difficulty of crossing the Grand Trunk Road near Dilshad Garden metro station. A half-kilometre detour now separates her from the rickshaw stand on the other side. “I am pregnant and walking all the way to the other side to find a rickshaw is a hassle for me,” she said.

For many, the diversions mean longer commutes and disrupted routines. Mohammad Shameem, an e-rickshaw driver, noted that residents of Sonia Camp, which lies along the GT Road, are forced to take circuitous routes to work and home. “The area is closed to motorists fearing an escalation and violence if any vehicle even brushes against a ‘Bhole’ (Kanwariya). People have no option but to adjust,” he said.

Delivery workers have also been affected. Waseem, a delivery person, said he had to travel four kilometres extra through smaller streets to deliver a parcel. “While the space for Kanwariyas passing through seems to expand year by year, the problems faced by commuters and residents are not considered before making such elaborate arrangements,” he added.

Not all residents are unhappy. Rahul Sharma, an accountant, said he does not mind the temporary inconvenience. “If it helps fellow citizens connect with their religion, minor adjustments can be made,” he said.

Impact on Local Businesses

Commercial establishments along the route have reported a sharp drop in customers. A salesperson at a food outlet near Dilshad Garden metro station said that even Saturday footfall was significantly lower than usual. The closure of unauthorised meat shops, directed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, has also affected livelihoods. Mohammad Shabbir, who runs a licensed biryani shop in Jhilmil Colony, said he stopped selling biryani at the start of the pilgrimage. “Most people voluntarily shut shops fearing challans and action by the authorities,” he said, adding that he now sells only vegetables during this period.

Religious Harmony and Community Concerns

Muslim residents have reported that mosques along the yatra route have been covered, and namaz is being offered only inside the mosque premises. This arrangement, while intended to avoid friction, has raised concerns among some community members about freedom of worship. However, no official statement has been issued confirming this practice.

Changing Face of the Yatra

Long-time observers say the yatra has changed in character over the years. Sukhdev Goswami, a 65-year-old tea seller, recalled an earlier time when the chanting of religious couplets was enough to herald the arrival of Kanwariyas. “DJs, loudspeakers, boom boxes remind me of a time when chanting of ‘saanki’ was enough,” he said. He lamented the growing influence of alcohol and obscene music among some younger pilgrims, calling it a sign of indiscipline and immaturity.

Usha Sharma, a schoolteacher in Jahangirpuri, echoed similar sentiments. She criticised the increasing ostentation—luxury cars, decorations with currency notes, and oversized displays—as reflecting wealth rather than faith. “The mahila mandal (women’s organisation) in our area used to organise camps for Kanwars, but in recent times, we have only seen excesses and vulgarities,” she said.

The Kanwar Yatra is an important religious event for millions of Hindus, and the authorities are tasked with balancing the needs of pilgrims with the rights of local residents. While the state has made arrangements for water, sanitation and medical aid at camps, the on-ground experience for many residents remains one of significant inconvenience. As the yatra continues, the hope is that a spirit of mutual accommodation will prevail.