As devotees across the country observe Shivratri today, the annual Kanwar Yatra is also set to bring a surge of pilgrims onto the roads. The sacred pilgrimage, during which Kanwariyas collect holy Ganga water and carry it to Shiva temples, sees thousands of devotees travel on foot and in groups. With the yatra underway, Delhi-NCR is expected to witness increased traffic and congestion along key routes.
Traffic Congestion Likely In Delhi-NCR
With Sawan Shivratri falling on August 11, traffic across parts of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad is expected to remain slow as the Kanwar Yatra reaches its peak. According to India Today, with thousands of Kanwariyas taking to the roads, police in the Delhi-NCR region have issued traffic advisories for commuters travelling between the cities.
Several key routes may see congestion, diversions and restrictions as Kanwariyas make their way through the region. Traffic police in Delhi, Noida and Faridabad have advised commuters to check their routes before heading out, use alternative roads wherever possible and avoid unnecessary travel. People travelling during the peak hours have also been urged to keep extra time in hand for their journeys.
As per reports, traffic will snarl in the following corridors due to Kanwar Yatra –
- Kalindi Kunj and Noida-Delhi border
- DND Flyway
- Ashram–Mathura Road corridor
- Noida–Greater Noida and connecting roads
- Faridabad–Delhi routes, including stretches connected to Badarpur Border and Mathura Road
Also Read: Sawan Shivratri 2026: Date, Significance, Rituals, Muhurat, Fasting & All You Need To Know
All Meat Shops & Non-Veg Eateries Shut For Kanwar Yatra
Since late July, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have ordered meat, fish, egg and other non-vegetarian outlets along the Kanwar Yatra route to remain shut during the pilgrimage. In Delhi, the sale of non-vegetarian food has also been barred along the yatra routes and near Kanwar camps. The MCD has meanwhile directed officials to take action against unauthorised shops, encroachments and sanitation violations to ensure the pilgrimage passes off peacefully and smoothly.
Also Read: Kanwar Yatra 2026: Special Trains, Bus Services & Major Traffic Curbs Announced
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
When is Sawan Shivratri 2026?
Sawan Shivratri falls on August 11, 2026, and marks one of the key days of the Kanwar Yatra.
Which areas are likely to see traffic restrictions?
Major roads and routes used by Kanwariyas across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad may see diversions, restrictions and slow-moving traffic.
Why is traffic expected to be affected in Delhi-NCR?
Traffic is likely to slow down as thousands of Kanwariyas travel through Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad, leading to congestion, diversions and restrictions on several routes.