U.P. estimates 60 million devotees will take part in Kanwar Yatra-OxBig News Network

The Uttar Pradesh government said on Sunday (July 13, 2025) that an estimated 60 million devotees, including seven million women, are expected to cross the Kanwar route in the state for the annual Kanwar Yatra.

The state said it is implementing a women-centric security model by deploying over 10,000 women police personnel along the Yatra route. Female constables have also been made a mandatory part of Quick Response Teams (QRTs), including during night shifts. QRT patrolling has been intensified along key routes, and female officers are now monitoring special 24×7 control rooms and helplines across zones. 

“In a first, over 10,000 women police personnel including 8,541 head constables and 1,486 sub-inspectors — have been deployed along the Yatra route, forming nearly 15 percent of the total force on the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Around six crore devotees, including an estimated 60–70 lakh women, are expected to take part in the Yatra. In response, CM Yogi ordered the implementation of a women-centric security model,” reads a statement issued by the state government. 

Women’s help desk

To support women pilgrims’ female constables will be stationed at all women’s help desks to assist and counsel devotees in sensitive situations. “Additionally, Shakti Help Booths, in collaboration with women’s voluntary organisations, are being set up in several districts to support women pilgrims further,” the state government statement added.

In Meerut zone, the epicenter of the Kanwar Yatra in U.P., over 100 helpdesks for women have been established to offer real-time assistance along with technological surveillance through drones, CCTVs, and social media monitoring. The state government added the initiative reflects its commitment to creating an environment where people primarily women can participate in religious and cultural events freely and fearlessly.

Kanwar Yatra, the annual pilgrimage journey of Lord Shiva’s devotees started on July 11 and will end on July 23.