Kanwar Yatra and Muzaffarnagar: how to plan road trips during Shravan

Every year in the month of Shravan, lakhs of Kanwariyas walk from Haridwar back to their home towns carrying Ganga jal, and a large share of them pass straight through Muzaffarnagar on the Delhi–Haridwar highway. It is one of the most important events in the district's calendar — and it changes how everyone else travels for one to two weeks.

This guide explains what usually happens on the roads and how to plan any car journey during the Yatra. Exact dates and rules are announced by the district administration and police each year, so always check the latest notice before you travel.

When does it happen?

Kanwar Yatra follows the Hindu month of Shravan, which usually falls in July–August. Traffic is heaviest in the last few days before Shivratri, when the dak kanwar (running groups) and large processions are on the road.

What usually changes on the roads

• Highway sections reserved for Kanwariyas. Parts of the Delhi–Haridwar highway, especially between Muzaffarnagar, Purkazi and Roorkee, are kept for pilgrims; regular traffic is diverted.
• Heavy vehicles stopped. Trucks and buses are typically diverted to other routes for several days.
• Diversions add distance. Cars heading to Meerut, Delhi or Haridwar may be sent on longer alternate roads.
• Local roads get busy. With the highway restricted, inner roads and village links carry more traffic than usual.

Trips to postpone if you can

Leisure trips to Haridwar and Rishikesh are best avoided during peak Yatra days — the ghats are packed, parking is scarce, and the drive can take twice as long. The same goes for non-urgent trips to Roorkee and Dehradun on the highway side.

Trips that cannot wait

Hospital appointments, flights, exams and court dates still happen. If you must travel:

• Book a day ahead. Tell our support team your destination and reporting time; we confirm the open route before the trip.
• Add buffer time. Plan for one and a half to two times the usual travel time. For a Delhi airport flight, leave at least 2–3 hours earlier than normal.
• Travel at night or very early where diversions allow — some sections are calmer in the small hours.
• Choose a comfortable car if there are elderly passengers; detours can be long.
• Keep water and snacks in the car. Roadside stops are crowded.

Fares during the Yatra

MSCars fares are per kilometre and do not have surge pricing. If a diversion makes the road distance longer, the fare follows the actual distance travelled, and the booking screen shows the route the map calculates. Support will tell you upfront if a known diversion is likely to add kilometres.

Being a good neighbour on the road

• Follow police barricades and volunteer directions.
• Do not honk at processions or try to overtake walking groups on narrow stretches.
• Never touch or move a kanwar resting at the roadside.
• Expect loud music and DJs on trucks in some groups — keep windows up if travelling with infants.

After the Yatra

Roads usually return to normal within a day or two of Shivratri once the last groups pass. It is a good time to plan that postponed Haridwar trip — the ghats are calmer and the weather is green after the rains.

Need help planning a trip during the Yatra? Call +91 99971 77500 or contact us and we will suggest the best time and route.