Uttarakhand cancels Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid-19

Uttarakhand Government cancels Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid-19 held in the month of sawan, from Haridwar. This has been cancelled for the second consecutive year

On Friday Uttarakhand Government cancelled the Kanwar Yatra from Haridwar because of covid-19. Earlier the Uttarakhand Government had postponed the Char Dham Yatra till further orders concerning the state's High Court order. The state government has moved the Supreme Court against Uttarakhand High Court which has banned the Yatra.

According to the statement by ANI, the state Government spokesperson Subodh Uniyal said that "Uttarakhand government has cancelled the Kanwar Yatra held in the month of Sawan from Haridwar as a precautionary measure amid Covid-19 pandemic."He also said that "The High Court may have banned the Char Dham Yatra but the Government has approached the Supreme Court against it. Now only the Supreme Court will decide the matter. adding that he said the state Government has made full arrangements regarding the Char Dham Yatra and no provisions have been left unattended. "

During this time the Shiva devotees also known as Kanwaritas, take the Holy waters of Ganga to offer at Lord Shiva temple during the Hindu calendar month of Sawan every year. These pilgrims also visit Haridwar, Gomukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand and Sultanganj Bihar to fetch waters of Ganga then after this water is offered to Lord Shiva in the temple.

On 28 June, Uttarakhand High Court stayed the state cabinet's decision permitting Chardham Yatra with a limited number of pilgrims. It also ordered live streaming of char Dham shrines.