Noida/Ghaziabad, July 15 — As the Kanwar Yatra 2025 gathers momentum, district administrations in Noida and Ghaziabad have directed the covering of 222 liquor outlets along key pilgrimage routes. This decision is aimed at maintaining the religious sanctity of the yatra and ensuring a respectful environment for Shiva devotees walking from the Ganga River to their hometown temples.
Rather than ordering closures, authorities have asked liquor shop owners to visually conceal their storefronts using curtains, boards, or partitions. The directive is seen as a preventive step to avoid conflict and honor the spiritual discipline observed by Kanwariyas, many of whom abstain from meat and alcohol throughout the yatra.
According to officials, 164 liquor shops in Ghaziabad and 58 in Noida fall under this order. The move is part of a broader strategy by the Uttar Pradesh government to facilitate a smooth and respectful Kanwar Yatra across the state.
Guidelines Extended to Hotels and Eateries
In a parallel move, hotels, dhabas, and restaurants located along the yatra routes have been directed to display valid food licenses (FSSAI) along with clear signage listing menus, prices, and ownership details. The objective is to build food safety assurance for the millions of pilgrims expected to travel on foot through these regions.
This step comes amid previous concerns over unhygienic or unlicensed food stalls operating during large-scale religious events.
Structured Safety and Mobility Planning
The Kanwar Yatra is one of the largest annual religious pilgrimages in North India, attracting devotees from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttarakhand. In anticipation of the massive footfall, state authorities have implemented extensive public safety measures:
- Dedicated Kanwar lanes have been marked on highways.
- Police and paramedical staff are deployed at key junctions.
- Drone and CCTV surveillance is being used to monitor crowds.
- Rest points, water booths, and medical camps are being set up for 24/7 access.
This year’s preparations emphasize not only crowd control but also the preservation of religious harmony, public hygiene, and civic order.
Policy Signals a Balanced Approach
The decision to cover rather than close liquor shops signals a mature governance model. It allows businesses to operate without disruption while acknowledging the religious sensitivities of lakhs of Kanwariyas. Similar practices in recent years have led to successful outcomes with minimal resistance.
Local officials have issued warnings that non-compliance may invite penalties, including temporary suspension of licenses or action under nuisance regulations.
Understanding the Context
The Kanwar Yatra takes place during the Hindu month of Shravan (July–August). Devotees, often dressed in saffron, collect holy water from the Ganga and carry it to Shiva temples, walking barefoot across long distances. The journey is marked by vows of abstinence, fasting, and spiritual dedication.
To ensure that these sacred practices are honored, local governments across North India are aligning administrative planning with religious norms.
FAQs on Kanwar Yatra 2025 Liquor Shop Guidelines
Are liquor shops being shut down during the Kanwar Yatra?
No. Shops will remain operational but must be visually covered to avoid offending devotees.
Why is this directive being issued?
To maintain religious decorum and ensure a spiritually respectful environment for Kanwariyas.
Does this apply only in Noida and Ghaziabad?
This directive specifically covers these cities, but similar measures are being implemented across major yatra routes in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states.
Are meat shops affected as well?
In other regions like Delhi and Uttarakhand, separate orders exist regarding meat shops, depending on the local administration.
Will food businesses face checks?
Yes. Hotels, dhabas, and food vendors must display their food safety licenses and comply with hygiene norms.
What happens if vendors do not comply?
Non-compliance may result in fines, temporary shutdowns, or license suspensions under district administrative rules.