कांवड़ यात्रा

Kanwar Yatra in Haridwar: a guide for families

Every Sawan, Kanwariyas come to Haridwar to fill Ganga jal at Har Ki Pauri and carry it home on foot for Shivratri. It is one of the biggest gatherings in India. If you are visiting Haridwar with family at this time, it helps to know what the city is like, and to plan around the busiest days.

Photo: elly jonez, CC BY 2.0

At a glance

When: Sawan month, about two weeks ending on Sawan Shivratri
2027 (expected): Around 19 July to 1 August, official dates come closer to the time
Crowd: Crores of Kanwariyas. About 4.8 crore were reported in 2026
Busiest days: The last 3 to 4 days before Shivratri

Checked 18 October 2026. Timings change with seasons and festivals.

What to expect

The Delhi to Haridwar highway is given over to Kanwariyas. One side is kept for those on foot, heavy vehicles are banned, and in the last days all vehicles are stopped on long stretches
Traffic from Delhi is sent on diversions through western UP. A drive that normally takes about 5 hours can take much longer, or not be possible on some days
Inside Haridwar, roads near Har Ki Pauri are closed to vehicles and many are one way for people on foot
Music, DJ trucks and groups walking day and night. It is festive, and loud
It is monsoon. Expect rain, a fast and high Ganga, and slow hill roads beyond Haridwar

Peak days and hours

The first week is busy but manageable. The last 3 to 4 days before Shivratri are the heaviest, when Dak Kanwar groups run through the night in relays
At Har Ki Pauri, early morning and the evening aarti are the most crowded hours
Kanwariyas also walk at night, so the roads do not empty after dark
If you can choose, come before the yatra starts or after Shivratri

Parking and getting around

During the mela, vehicles from outside are stopped at the edges of the city and sent to parking grounds set up for the yatra. The list of parking places and the route plan change every year, so check the Haridwar Police and district administration advisory a few days before you travel, and park only where they say. Cars left on the roadside are towed.

The train is the easiest way in. From Haridwar railway station, Har Ki Pauri is about 2 km on foot: past Shiv Murti, Lalita Rao Pul, Moti Bazaar and up Upper Road. On peak days, plan to walk this whole way.

Visiting Har Ki Pauri at this time

Go early in the morning on a weekday in the first week, it is the calmest time
Stay with your group and fix a meeting point before you reach the ghat
Take your dip only inside the chains and railings, the Ganga runs high and fast in Sawan
Keep the visit short and walk back the way the police send you, routes are often one way

Dos and don'ts

Check the Haridwar Police traffic advisory before you leave home
Come by train if you can, and book tickets and rooms early
Fix a meeting point, and keep your phone number in children's and elders' pockets
Carry water, ORS, a raincoat or umbrella, and some cash in case UPI is slow
Give way to Kanwariyas, many have walked for days
Follow police and volunteers, even if a route looks longer

Don't drive in from Delhi in the last days of the yatra
Don't follow map shortcuts blindly, many roads are closed or one way
Don't park on the roadside
Don't touch or step over a kanwar, it must not touch the ground
Don't go beyond the chains at the ghats
Don't carry jewellery or a lot of cash

Questions people ask

When is the Kanwar Yatra in 2027?

In Sawan, expected around 19 July to 1 August 2027, ending on Sawan Shivratri. The administration announces the official dates closer to the time.

Is it safe to visit Haridwar with family during the Kanwar Yatra?

Yes, with planning. Avoid the last 3 to 4 days before Shivratri, come by train, visit the ghats early in the morning, and keep your group together.

Can I drive from Delhi to Haridwar during the Kanwar Yatra?

In the first days, yes, with diversions and delays. In the last days, all vehicles are usually stopped on the Delhi to Haridwar highway. Check the police advisory before you leave.

दर्शन के बाद, भोजन

After darshan, eat at Chotiwala

We stay open through the Kanwar Mela, on Upper Road at Lalita Rao Pul between the station and Har Ki Pauri. On peak days this road is full of people on foot, so walk in. Coming as a group? Call ahead.