The Uttar Pradesh government has defended its requirement for shop owners along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names prominently. The government claims this directive was issued to maintain peace and order during the pilgrimage, citing complaints from Kanwariyas about confusion caused by unclear shop names. They also highlighted the arduous nature of the pilgrimage and the religious significance of the Kanwar, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding food and its preparation to align with religious practices.
Opposition parties have criticized the directive, labeling it “anti-Muslim” and alleging it aims to divide society. The Kanwar Yatra, a yearly pilgrimage where devotees of Lord Shiva carry holy water from the Ganges River, attracts millions of participants. Devotees began their pilgrimage on July 22nd, marking the first Monday of “Sawan,” and have flocked to temples across India, including Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Kali Paltan in Meerut, and Jharkhandi Mahadev in Gorakhpur, to offer prayers and take holy dips in the Ganga.
