Kanwar Yatra 2026: Traffic restrictions in Delhi, U.P., and Haryana
Due to the Kanwar Yatra, specific advisories have been issued by authorities to ease the commute of citizens of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana
Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage of Lord Shiva followers from the Ganges River to their respective temples, commenced on July 30, 2026, and will conclude on August 11, coinciding with Shivratri. The pilgrimage, observed in July-August as per the Hindu calendar, involves devotees carrying holy water from sacred sites like Haridwar, Gangotri, Gaumukh, and Sultanganj.
Authorities across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana have issued traffic advisories to manage the influx of pilgrims, known as Kanwariyas, who walk barefoot over long distances to their local temples.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded the Kanwar Yatra as a testament to the devotion and unity of the devotees. Delhi Traffic Police warned commuters about potential traffic congestion at Kalindi Kunj junction, Okhla Barrage road, Noida, and routes connecting to Okhla Bird Sanctuary. They advised using alternate routes such as Dwarka and KMP Expressway via Panchgaon Chowk for those traveling to Rajasthan, Jhajjar, Rewari, Pataudi, Nuh, and Faridabad.
Gurugram Traffic Police specified alternate routes for heavy vehicles, directing them to use Dwarka and KMP Expressway via Panchgaon Chowk. The advisory remained in effect until August 11. In Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, the traffic police restricted general traffic on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) on August 10 and 11 due to heavy Kanwar Yatra traffic.
Commuters were advised to use Rapid Metro (RRTS) and public transport instead of private vehicles and to use NH-09 as much as possible. The Ghaziabad Traffic Police advised locals to utilize NH-09 as an alternative route for commuting.
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