The Kanwar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage marked by devotion and spirituality, has taken a
disturbing turn in recent years. Incidents of violence and lawlessness by the pilgrims, known
as kanwariyas, have marred this annual festival, particularly under the rule of Uttar Pradesh’s
Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath. The recent spate of attacks in western Uttar Pradesh and
Uttarakhand highlights a troubling trend where religious zealotry overrides civic
responsibility and human decency.
In Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, and Haridwar, violent clashes involving kanwariyas have
become alarmingly common. Two days after a mob of kanwariyas brutally assaulted a
Muslim man and vandalized his car in Muzaffarnagar, at least four similar incidents were
reported. The kanwariyas, clad in saffron, seem to enjoy a degree of impunity, emboldened
by a government that appears more interested in catering to their fervor than maintaining law
and order. The case of Aman Kumar and his brother-in-law Monu in Saharanpur is
particularly telling. Returning home on a motorcycle, Kumar accidentally brushed against a
kanwariya. Despite his apologies, the kanwariyas attacked him, vandalized his motorcycle,
and caused injuries serious enough to require hospitalization. The police, present at the scene,
stood by as spectators, illustrating a disturbing abdication of their duty to protect citizens.
This incident, and many like it, raise critical questions about the nature of religious festivals
and the role of the state. The Kanwar Yatra, meant to be a peaceful expression of devotion,
has become a platform for aggression and violence. This transformation is not coincidental
but rather a reflection of the changing socio-political landscape. Under Adityanath’s regime,
religious processions have been given unprecedented prominence, often at the cost of
communal harmony and public safety.
The violence is not limited to accidental brushes or perceived slights. In Haridwar, an e-
rickshaw driver was attacked by a mob of kanwariyas who claimed he desecrated their
kawad. Videos showed kanwariyas ferociously attacking the vehicle while police stood by,
again failing to intervene. Similarly, in Muzaffarnagar, kanwariyas assaulted petrol pump
staff over a trivial issue, vandalized the premises, and brutally attacked a mentally-challenged
man. These incidents reveal a pattern of behavior that is both alarming and dangerous. The
kanwariyas, emboldened by a sense of religious entitlement and the perceived backing of the
state, act with impunity. The police, tasked with maintaining law and order, seem either
unwilling or unable to control the situation, often resorting to placating the aggressors rather
than upholding the law.
The question arises: what drives this surge in violence among kanwariyas? Part of the answer
lies in the politicization of religious identities. Under the current regime, there has been a
deliberate effort to emphasize Hindu identity and festivals. This has created an environment
where religious fervor is not only encouraged but also weaponized. Kanwariyas, seeing
themselves as guardians of their faith, are quick to react violently to any perceived disrespect
or slight. Moreover, the state’s tacit approval of such behavior only exacerbates the problem.
By failing to hold the perpetrators accountable, the government sends a message that
religious zealotry is acceptable, even when it leads to violence. This not only undermines the
rule of law but also erodes communal harmony, creating a volatile environment where
minorities feel increasingly threatened.
The impact of this violence extends beyond the immediate victims. It disrupts the daily lives
of ordinary citizens who have to navigate through the kanwar routes. Commuters face the risk
of attacks, and local businesses suffer from the destruction and chaos caused by unruly mobs.
The sense of fear and insecurity that pervades these regions is a direct consequence of the
state’s failure to maintain order. It is crucial to address this issue at multiple levels. First, the
state must take a firm stance against violence, irrespective of the perpetrators’ religious
affiliation. Law enforcement agencies must be empowered and held accountable for their
actions or inactions. The police should not be mere bystanders but active enforcers of the law,
ensuring that no one, regardless of their religious identity, is above the law.
Second, there needs to be a concerted effort to de-politicize religious festivals. While it is
essential to respect and accommodate religious practices, it should not come at the cost of
public safety and communal harmony. The government must balance religious freedom with
the need to maintain order and protect all citizens. Lastly, there should be a broader societal
push to promote tolerance and understanding. Religious festivals should be celebrated as
inclusive events that bring communities together rather than as divisive occasions that incite
violence. This requires a collective effort from religious leaders, community organizers, and
the media to emphasize the true spirit of these festivals.
The Kanwar Yatra, in its current form, poses significant challenges to communal harmony
and public order. It is imperative for the state and society to address these challenges head-
on, ensuring that religious devotion does not become a pretext for violence and lawlessness.
Only then can the true essence of such festivals be restored, fostering peace and unity rather
than discord and fear.
