Preparations for the Kanwar Yatra 2026 are in full swing in Prayagraj as devotees decorate their Kanwars and authorities intensify security and infrastructure arrangements ahead of the annual Sawan pilgrimage. The yatra will begin on July 30, the first day of the holy month of Sawan, and conclude on August 11, coinciding with Mahashivratri.

Kanwariyas, devotees of Lord Shiva, carry holy Ganga water in decorated Kanwars to offer at Shiva temples in their hometowns. With lakhs of pilgrims expected to participate, the district administration has begun inspecting Kanwar routes, reviewing road conditions and strengthening crowd-management measures.

District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said officials from the Public Works Department, National Highways and police have been directed to identify and address problem areas along the route. Authorities are also preparing traffic diversions, dedicated corridors for Kanwariyas, sanitation facilities, barricading and emergency response systems to ensure the pilgrimage is conducted safely and smoothly.