Kanwar Yatra: The festival of Lord Shiva, known as the holy month of Sawan, commences on 22nd July. The Kanwar Yatra begins on the first day of Sawan, with millions of Kanwar pilgrims setting out towards Haridwar. However, a recent decision by CM Yogi has sparked controversy. The Yogi government has issued an order for all the shops and cart owners along the Kanwar route.
CM Yogi’s Order
According to the order, all the shops and carts on the Kanwar route must display the owner’s name and identity, allowing pilgrims to know from which shop they purchase goods. This decision has stirred political debates in Uttar Pradesh. Amidst the political uproar, CM Yogi’s decision has attracted attention.
Purpose Behind the Decision
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that this measure aims to maintain the purity of faith among Kanwar pilgrims. The order mandates that all carts and shops selling food and drinks on the Kanwar Yatra path throughout Uttar Pradesh must display name plates with the owner’s name and identity. Furthermore, strict action will be taken against shopkeepers who keep halal products.
Support from UP Minister
UP government minister Kapil Dev Agarwal has openly supported this decision. He explained that pilgrims from across the country collect water from Haridwar Gomukh and proceed towards their destination, passing through places like Muzaffarpur. Recently, social media has seen videos of people operating shops, dhabas, and restaurants under Hindu names but being run by Muslims. Agarwal emphasized that the issue is not with being Muslim but with misrepresenting Hindu names while selling non-vegetarian food. He demanded that the names of the actual owners be displayed on such establishments to prevent deception. Many videos have gone viral on social media platforms, showing people engaging in unhygienic practices at these establishments.
Impact on Muzaffarpur
The order aims to ensure the convenience of devotees and maintain law and order. The impact of this directive is already evident in Muzaffarpur, where shop owners have put up name plates on their establishments. The administration argues that this decision by the Yogi government is intended to protect the religious sentiments of the Kanwariyas, a move that the Kanwar pilgrims themselves support.
