Chaos on the Kawad Yatra: Viral Videos Show Pilgrims Attacking Civilians and Police—Public Outcry Grows

The annual Kawad Yatra, once celebrated as a peaceful pilgrimage, is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons. A wave of violence and chaos has spread across Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, with numerous videos surfacing on social media showing Kawad pilgrims aggressively attacking civilians and security forces.

One particularly shocking incident from Haridwar, Uttarakhand, has gone viral. In the video, a group of Kawadiyas is seen brutally assaulting a car driver after a minor road incident. The mob broke his vehicle and beat him mercilessly in the middle of the street as onlookers watched in silence. But in a dramatic twist, the injured driver managed to grab a stick from a security guard and fought back, chasing his attackers away. Social media is now praising his courage while also questioning the public’s lack of intervention.

But this isn’t an isolated case. In Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, a disturbing video shows a group of Kawad pilgrims beating a CRPF jawan at a railway station. Despite the incident being caught on camera and seven Kawadiyas arrested, reports say all were granted bail within 30 minutes, sparking massive outrage online.

Locals and critics argue that these incidents are giving a bad name to true devotees who undertake the Kawad Yatra peacefully. “The real Shiv bhakts walk their path in peace. Those creating havoc cannot be true pilgrims,” argues one citizen on Twitter. Others highlight a growing fear among ordinary people, who worry about being caught up in such violence simply for being on the wrong street at the wrong time.

Police claim they are cracking down, arresting several troublemakers. But many feel law enforcement is not doing enough, especially as viral videos continue to create new flashpoints across social media. “Where was the administration when the mob attacked an unarmed man?” asked another viral comment.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently addressed the controversy, insisting the majority of Kawad pilgrims are driven by devotion, but critics remain unconvinced as fresh incidents surface almost daily—ranging from mob attacks on bikers in Muzaffarnagar to vandalism and violence in hotels.

As the holy month of Sawan continues, the call for stronger regulation and public safety during the Kawad Yatra is louder than ever, with many demanding that the spirit of devotion is not hijacked by those spreading fear and chaos.

What’s your take on the growing violence during the Kawad Yatra?