Kanwar Yatra 2026: Key traffic restrictions in Delhi, U.P., Haryana

The annual Kanwar Yatra, a Hindu pilgrimage in which devotees carry water from the Ganges to offer at local Shiva temples, is currently underway. The pilgrimage began on July 30 and will conclude on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, which coincides with Shivratri.

Given the heavy pedestrian and vehicular movement of pilgrims, also known as Kanwariyas, traffic authorities in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have issued specific advisories to ease congestion and ensure safety for all commuters. These restrictions primarily affect major roads and border points, with alternate routes suggested for the public.

Delhi

The Delhi Traffic Police has alerted commuters about likely congestion at Kalindi Kunj junction, Okhla Barrage road, Noida–Kalindi Kunj road, and roads leading to the Okhla Bird Sanctuary. This advisory is in effect until August 12, 2026. Commuters have been advised to avoid these stretches and plan their journeys in advance, allowing for additional travel time. The police also noted ongoing road repair work on the Okhla Barrage–Kalindi Kunj stretch as a compounding factor.

As an alternative, authorities have suggested using NH-9 and NH-44 as corridors for long-distance travel. The restrictions will primarily impact those moving between Delhi and Noida or heading towards the eastern parts of the city.

Gurugram, Haryana

In Haryana, the Gurugram Traffic Police has issued a heavy vehicle advisory effective from August 9 to August 11, 2026. This is aimed at managing the return flow of Kanwariyas from Haridwar, a key source of Ganga water. The advisory affects travel corridors towards Rajasthan, Jhajjar, Rewari, Pataudi, Nuh, and Faridabad.

Heavy vehicles entering Delhi from these routes are being diverted. The Gurugram police have recommended the Dwarka Expressway and the KMP Expressway via Panchgaon Chowk as the primary alternative routes. They have also shared map references on social media platforms, including X, for ease of navigation. For any assistance, commuters can contact the police helpline numbers 112 and 1095.

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, the Ghaziabad Traffic Police have announced restrictions on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) for general traffic on August 10 and 11, 2026. This decision was communicated by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Varun Kumar Singh via a video on X. The move is intended to facilitate the safe movement of Kanwar devotees on this stretch.

Commuters have been advised to use NH-09 as the primary alternative. Additionally, the police have urged the public to use public transport, particularly the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), instead of private vehicles. Vehicles coming from Siddharth Vihar towards Meerut Tiraha should take the NH-09 route, Vijayanagar Cut, Overbridge, and Chaudhary Mod to avoid delays.

Context and advice

The Kanwar Yatra is one of the largest religious gatherings in northern India. Devotees, often walking barefoot and carrying water in pots decorated with flowers and cloth, travel from Haridwar or other Ganga ghats to their local Shiva temples. The pilgrimage is marked by several weeks of activity, with the final day being considered particularly auspicious for offering the water. This year, the conclusion falls on Mahashivratri, which has drawn a larger number of participants.

Authorities have set up facilities such as food stalls, medical camps, and rest areas along the routes to support the pilgrims. Meanwhile, the traffic restrictions are designed to minimize disruption for daily commuters while ensuring the safety of the Kanwariyas.

Commuters are advised to stay updated with official traffic police handles on X and to follow the recommended diversions. Planning travel ahead and using public transport wherever possible will help reduce congestion during this period.