The ongoing Kanwar Yatra in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand has taken a troubling turn this year, with several reports of violence involving Kawariyas surfacing in the past few days. What began as a peaceful religious pilgrimage has now raised serious concerns about public safety and law enforcement.

In various parts of UP and Uttarakhand, minor disputes have reportedly escalated into street altercations, property damage, and traffic disruptions. Videos circulating online show groups of Kawariyas confronting locals, damaging vehicles, and clashing with police in some areas. Authorities have increased deployment in sensitive zones to manage the situation, but residents say they are feeling increasingly unsafe.

In Dehradun, another issue grabbed attention when a snake was spotted near a crowded gathering point of Kawariyas. Though no one was harmed, the scare caused brief panic among the pilgrims and locals. Forest department teams responded quickly and captured the snake safely.

The Kanwar Yatra is a deeply spiritual event for thousands of devotees, where participants carry holy water from the Ganges back to their hometowns. But recent incidents have raised questions about crowd control and whether adequate planning is in place for such a large-scale movement of people.

Many locals and shopkeepers have voiced frustration, saying daily life and business have been disrupted. While most Kawariyas follow the path peacefully, it only takes a few incidents to overshadow the purpose of the yatra.

Authorities are now calling for stricter regulation and better coordination between states to ensure that religious freedom and public order can coexist smoothly.