Haridwar Kanwar Yatra Sets New Record as 4.8 Crore Pilgrims Attend

The annual Kanwar Yatra in the holy city of Haridwar established a new benchmark this year, by witnessing a huge surge of devotees of around 4.8 crore who arrived to collect the sacred waters from the river Ganga and carry it back to their hometowns to perform Jalabhisheka to Lord Shiva.

Kanwaris began 14-day Kanwar Yatra 2026 on July 30 from their hometown and concluded on Tuesday, 11 August. The number of pilgrims participated in the Kanwar Yatra this year has been significantly increased compared to last year.

This year, the pilgrimage count has been increased when compared to last year. Last year, around 4.5 crore devotees participated in the yatra.

The Kanwar Yatra 2026 witnessed a massive turnout, reflecting the deep devotion of Lord Shiva’s devotees during the sacred month of Shravan. It is a sacred pilgrimage undertaken by Shiva devotees, known as Kanwariyas, who traditionally wear saffron clothes and carry earthen pots filled with holy water, suspended on either side of a bamboo pole. Many devotees travel barefoot from their hometowns to Haridwar, where they collect sacred Ganga water from Har Ki Pauri. They then carry the holy water back to their hometowns and perform Jalabhisheka at local Shiva temples as an offering to Lord Shiva.

Thanks to the Haridwar District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), extensive measures were taken to manage the heavy crowd, traffic, security, sanitation and medical assistance. Delhi-Dehradun Expressway also helped the pilgrims with easy and comfortable travel option.

More than 6,000 police personnel were deployed to manage the crowds and ensure the safety of devotees. They were deployed along key routes and at important pilgrimage areas to facilitate the seamless movement of Kanwaris.

The massive turnout marked a remarkable milestone for Shiva devotees during the sacred month of Shravan, as millions undertook the Kanwar Yatra 2026 to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.