This year, the Kanwar Yatra, a significant annual pilgrimage for Shiva devotees, commenced on July 17 and will continue until August 2. Pilgrims, known as Kanwariyas, travel to collect holy water from the Ganga River in Haridwar to offer at Shiva temples across various states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh.
The installation of the screens came in the wake of directives requiring eateries along the pilgrimage route to display the owners' names, a move which was met with significant backlash. The Supreme Court recently stayed these directives after petitions argued that such measures could lead to discrimination based on religion and caste, potentially violating constitutional rights. The court mandated that eateries only display information regarding the type of food served, maintaining a balance between public safety and non-discrimination.
The controversy reflects broader concerns about communal harmony and the balancing act between security measures and civil liberties. With the BJP governing both Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, the directives and subsequent court interventions highlight the complexities involved in managing large-scale religious events in a diverse and multi-religious society.
Efforts to ensure a peaceful Kanwar Yatra included increased police presence and the strategic placement of screens to shield religious structures from the pilgrims' view. Authorities believe these measures will mitigate potential conflicts, although they have been criticized by some community leaders and civil rights organizations for potentially fostering an atmosphere of segregation and mistrust.
As the pilgrimage progresses, the government's actions and the Supreme Court's involvement underscore the ongoing challenge of navigating religious sensitivities while ensuring public safety during large gatherings. The situation in Haridwar serves as a microcosm of the broader national discourse on communal harmony and the role of state interventions in religious practices.