Every year during the holy month of Sawan (Shravan), millions of devotees known as Kanwariyas travel to collect sacred Ganga water from Haridwar and other pilgrimage sites and offer it at Shiva temples across North India. This annual spiritual journey is called the Kanwar Yatra.
For Kanwar Yatra 2026, Meerut is once again expected to become one of the busiest and most important transit cities for devotees returning from Haridwar with Ganga jal.
The Kanwar Yatra is a religious pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees carry holy water in a decorated bamboo structure called a Kanwar and walk, cycle, or travel back to their hometowns to offer the water at Shiva temples.
Why is Meerut important during Kanwar Yatra?
Meerut is strategically located on the Haridwar–Delhi–Western Uttar Pradesh corridor, which is one of the busiest Kanwar routes in the country.
- A major transit hub
Lakhs of Kanwariyas pass through Meerut while returning from Haridwar. The city connects Uttarakhand with Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, and several districts of western UP.
- Religious significance
Many devotees stop at the historic Augharnath Temple before continuing their journey. The temple is one of the most revered Shiva shrines in the region.
- Administrative importance
Because of the huge footfall, the Meerut administration coordinates security, traffic management, sanitation, medical services, and emergency response across multiple districts.
- Economic boost
Hotels, dhabas, sweet shops, flower vendors, transport operators, and local markets see a significant rise in business during the yatra period.
Expected Dates: 30th July - 11th August.