Uttarakhand govt cancels Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid-19

NEW DELHI: The Uttarakhand government on Tuesday cancelled this year's Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid-19 pandemic.
It is for the second consecutive year that the yatra is not being held due to Covid-19.
Kanwar yatras have seen massive crowds of anything from 3 crore to 5 crore people converging at Haridwar. Incidentally, the Char Dham yatra has also been stayed by the Uttarakhand high court.
Earlier today, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "Kanwar is part of the Sanatan culture but saving lives is paramount."
"Government's focus is to ensure that Covid does not spread," he added.
The yatra had been cancelled by the Tirath Singh Rawat-led government in Uttarakhand late last month after a review of the Covid-19 situation indicated it would not be prudent to allow the pilgrimage. But after Dhami took charge as CM, it was being speculated that the government is reconsidering its decision.