New Delhi: The sacred Hindu month of Sawan began today, and with it, the streets of Delhi-NCR have turned saffron. From Ghaziabad’s arterial roads to Noida’s temple corridors, chants of “Bol Bam” now echo as thousands of devotees, known as Kanwariyas, set off on their annual pilgrimage, carrying sacred water from the Ganga river to offer to Lord Shiva.

The Kanwar Yatra, one of the largest religious processions in the country, has returned with full fervour this year. Pilgrims, largely young men clad in saffron vests, barefoot and resolute, are walking miles from holy sites like Haridwar and Gaumukh to deliver Ganga jal (water) to Shiva shrines in their hometowns. The Yatra will culminate on July 23 with Sawan Shivratri, considered the most auspicious day for offerings.

National Capital Region fully prepared to host Kanwariyas

In the National Capital Region, preparations are visible at every turn. Ghaziabad and Noida have transformed into logistical nerve centres, with makeshift camps, free food stalls (langars), medical units, and traffic diversions lining the Yatra route. The Uttar Pradesh and Delhi police forces are working in tandem to manage crowds and ensure security.

Drones hover overhead, and CCTV surveillance is active across chokepoints, particularly along the Delhi–Meerut Expressway and NH-9.

Steady stream of Kanwariyas arriving at Shiv Temples in NCR

In Noida and East Delhi, temples such as the Shiv Mandir in Sector 62 and the ancient Prachin Shiv Mandir near Laxmi Nagar have seen a steady stream of Kanwariyas arriving to make early offerings. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have pitched in, providing resting points and refreshments, as well as organising local processions.

Police officials, particularly in border areas like Ghazipur and Anand Vihar, have appealed for restraint, urging pilgrims to follow designated routes and avoid disruptions. “This is a matter of faith, but also of public order,” one officer said pointing to the heavy vehicular congestion caused during peak Yatra hours.

BJP MLA from Ghaziabad demands crackdown on meat shops

Despite the spiritual tone, political and communal undercurrents have begun to ripple. In Ghaziabad, BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar sparked debate by demanding a crackdown on meat shops still operating along the Yatra route. He warned of public unrest if such establishments weren’t closed immediately, arguing it disrupted the sanctity of the pilgrimage. Municipal teams have since been dispatched to ensure compliance, though critics argue the move disproportionately affects specific communities.