The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance over Uttar Pradesh allowing the annual Kanwar Yatra amid the fears of a third Covid wave.

The Supreme Court bench of Justice RF Nariman on Wednesday issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government on its decision to proceed with the Kanwar Yatra this year. The matter will be up for hearing on July 16.

The Uttar Pradesh government has allowed the annual Kanwar Yatra in the state from July 25 and officials have been asked to coordinate with neighbouring states to ensure Covid guidelines are followed.

'Kanwariyas' (devotees of Lord Shiva) collect water from River Ganga at Haridwar to offer at Shiva temples in their areas as part of the Kanwar Yatra. Thousands of devotees from across the country travel on foot to collect the water.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance over Uttar Pradesh allowing the annual Kanwar Yatra amid the fears of a third Covid wave.

The Supreme Court bench of Justice RF Nariman on Wednesday issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government on its decision to proceed with the Kanwar Yatra this year. The matter will be up for hearing on July 16.

The Uttar Pradesh government has allowed the annual Kanwar Yatra in the state from July 25 and officials have been asked to coordinate with neighbouring states to ensure Covid guidelines are followed.

'Kanwariyas' (devotees of Lord Shiva) collect water from River Ganga at Haridwar to offer at Shiva temples in their areas as part of the Kanwar Yatra. Thousands of devotees from across the country travel on foot to collect the water.