New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government has firmly opposed petitions challenging its directive requiring shop owners along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names prominently.
In a detailed submission to the Supreme Court, the state government said that the directive was issued to ensure a peaceful and orderly pilgrimage.
The state government further explained that the directive was issued in response to complaints received from Kanwariyas regarding confusion caused by the names of the shops and eateries.
UP Government Defends Kanwar Order, Tells Supreme Court It Was To Ensure Peace
New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government has firmly opposed petitions challenging its directive requiring shop owners along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names prominently.
In a detailed submission to the Supreme Court, the state government said that the directive was issued to ensure a peaceful and orderly pilgrimage.
The state government further explained that the directive was issued in response to complaints received from Kanwariyas regarding confusion caused by the names of the shops and eateries.
“The yatra is an arduous journey, where some Kanwariyas , i.e. the Dak Kanwariyas, do not even stop to rest once the Kanwar is on their shoulders. There are sacred features of the pilgrimage, such as the fact that the Kanwar, once filled with holy Gangajal, is not to be kept on the ground; nor under the shadow of the gular tree. It may also be noted that a Kanwaria embarks on the Yatra after years of preparation,” the government said in its statement.
The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage where devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, travel to fetch holy water from the Ganges River, sees millions of participants each year.
The Uttar Pradesh government claimed that the directive was introduced in response to specific complaints from Kanwariyas. Pilgrims had allegedly raised concerns about the food being served along the route, which led to apprehensions regarding its preparation in line with religious practices.
The opposition has targetted the government calling the directive ‘anti-muslim’ and aimed at creating divisions within the society.
Devotees across the nation began their Kanwar Yatra on July 22, on the occasion of the first Monday of ‘Sawan’.
Many devotees thronged temples dedicated to Lord Shiva to offer their prayers and also took a holy dip in the Ganga to mark the first Monday of ‘Sawan’.
Devotees flock to temples, including the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, the Kali Paltan temple in Meerut, and the Jharkhandi Mahadev Temple in Gorakhpur, to offer their prayers.
UP Government Defends Kanwar Order, Tells Supreme Court It Was To Ensure Peace
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government recently defended its decision to allow the Kanwar Yatra amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, presenting its stance before the Supreme Court of India. The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage by Shiva devotees known as Kanwariyas, involves millions of participants traveling on foot to collect holy water from the Ganges River to offer at Shiva temples. The decision to permit the yatra this year has sparked significant debate, given the risks associated with large gatherings during the pandemic.
The Controversy
The controversy began when the UP government issued an order allowing the Kanwar Yatra to proceed, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters concerned about the potential public health implications. The Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance of the matter, emphasizing the need to balance religious rights with public health and safety concerns.
UP Government’s Defense
In its defense presented to the Supreme Court, the UP government argued that the decision to allow the Kanwar Yatra was taken to ensure peace and order. The government highlighted several key points to justify its stance:
1. Historical Significance and Sentiment: The Kanwar Yatra holds profound religious and cultural significance for millions of devotees. The government emphasized that banning the yatra outright could lead to significant public discontent and unrest among the devotees, many of whom have a deep emotional and spiritual connection to the pilgrimage.
2. Regulatory Measures and Protocols: The UP government assured the Supreme Court that stringent measures would be in place to ensure the safety of the participants and the general public. These measures include mandatory COVID-19 testing, vaccination drives for Kanwariyas, and strict adherence to social distancing norms. The government also mentioned deploying adequate security personnel to manage the crowds and ensure compliance with health guidelines.
3. Precedents and Comparisons: The government drew parallels with other large gatherings and events that have been permitted during the pandemic under strict regulations. It argued that with proper management and enforcement of guidelines, the risks associated with the Kanwar Yatra could be mitigated.
4. Impact on Public Sentiment and Law and Order: The state contended that prohibiting the yatra could lead to a law and order situation, given the strong sentiments associated with the pilgrimage. The government underscored its responsibility to maintain peace and harmony, suggesting that an outright ban could provoke backlash and unrest.
Supreme Court’s Response
The Supreme Court, while acknowledging the cultural importance of the Kanwar Yatra, expressed concern over the potential health risks. The court stressed the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes public health without disregarding religious sentiments. The bench sought detailed information on the protocols and measures that the UP government planned to implement to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the yatra.
The court also pointed out the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of new variants, emphasizing the need for caution. The bench questioned whether the state’s measures would be sufficient to manage the potential risks associated with such a large gathering.
Public Reaction and Expert Opinions
The decision to allow the Kanwar Yatra has polarized public opinion. Supporters argue that with proper precautions, the yatra can be conducted safely, respecting the religious rights of devotees. They highlight the emotional and spiritual benefits of the pilgrimage, particularly in times of widespread stress and uncertainty.
However, public health experts and critics warn that even with stringent measures, the risk of a super-spreader event remains high. They argue that the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 and its variants necessitates extreme caution, suggesting that postponing the yatra might be the more prudent choice.
Conclusion
The UP government’s defense of its decision to permit the Kanwar Yatra underscores the complex interplay between religious rights, public health, and law and order. As the Supreme Court deliberates on the matter, the focus remains on finding a balanced solution that safeguards public health while respecting religious sentiments. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for how similar events are managed in the future, reflecting the broader challenge of navigating religious freedoms in the context of a global pandemic.
