Kali Sena Chief Calls for Removal of Non-Hindu Shops from Kanwar Mela, Makes Controversial Remarks Ahead of Yatra

Haridwar, July 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Kali Sena National President Swami Anand Swaroop Maharaj on Monday reiterated his organization’s demand that shops operated by non-Hindus should not be allowed at the Kanwar Mela in Haridwar, while warning that such establishments would be “forcibly removed” if found during the pilgrimage.

Speaking to IANS ahead of the annual Kanwar Yatra, the Kali Sena leader claimed that non-Hindus were attempting to “pollute” and “desecrate” the Hindu pilgrimage. He also urged devotees not to purchase Kanwar-related items from non-Hindu vendors.

Swami Anand Swaroop said Kali Sena had previously announced that it would oppose the presence of non-Hindu shops at the Kanwar Mela. He further stated that the organization would conduct checks before the pilgrimage begins and alleged that action would be taken if non-Hindu vendors were found operating during the event. He also said shops without nameplates would be subjected to action.

The remarks came days before the Kanwar Yatra 2026which is scheduled to commence on July 30thcoinciding with the beginning of the holy month of Sawanand conclude with Sawan Shivratri Jal Abhishek on August 11th. The annual pilgrimage attracts millions of Lord Shiva devotees from across the country, who collect holy Ganga water from Haridwar for offering at Shiva temples.

Kali Sena describes itself as a Hindu organisation, and its chief has on previous occasions also called for restrictions on the participation of non-Hindus in commerce linked to the Kanwar Yatra.

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand administration has intensified security arrangements for the pilgrimage. Around 6,000 police personnel have been deployed for crowd management and law enforcement, while surveillance has been strengthened through extensive CCTV coverage and watch towers along major Kanwar routes.

Authorities have also enforced the existing prohibition on meat and liquor shops along the designated pilgrimage routes to facilitate the smooth conduct of the yatra.