Kali Sena’s National President, Swami Anand Swaroop Maharaj, declared plans to forcibly eliminate shops run by non-Hindus at Haridwar’s Kanwar Mela. He emphasized the need to prevent non-Hindus from selling sacred items, accusing them of attempting to defile the Hindu pilgrimage. The upcoming Kanwar Yatra 2026, commencing on July 30 and concluding on August 11 with Sawan Shivratri Jal Abhishek, attracts devotees from all over India who carry holy water from the Ganges.
Kali Sena, positioning itself as a Hindu organization, has consistently advocated for restricting non-Hindu participation in Yatra-related trade. Swami Anand Swaroop affirmed that any non-Hindu shops discovered during the event would be forcibly removed. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the pilgrimage site and ensuring a conducive environment for Hindu devotees. Additionally, he urged Hindus not to purchase Kanwar from non-Hindus and warned of consequences for shops without proper nameplates.
Uttarakhand Police have deployed around 6,000 personnel for crowd control and security during the event. The administration has ramped up surveillance measures, including the installation of CCTV networks and watch towers along key transit routes. Notably, meat and alcohol vendors along specified Kanwar paths are strictly prohibited.
