New Delhi [India], July 5: Ahead of Muharram and the annual Kanwar Yatra, the Delhi Police has announced comprehensive traffic arrangements to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public safety across the national capital, a senior officer said on Friday.
Muharram will be observed on July 6 in Delhi, and processions are expected to attract large gatherings. Speaking to ANI, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta said, “We have set up detailed arrangements for traffic. Our priority is to provide diversions to minimize inconvenience for the public. When the procession is underway, we will enforce necessary diversions and closely monitor the movement on the ground.”
Gupta emphasized that detailed instructions have been issued to traffic personnel, who will remain deployed throughout the city to ensure the safe passage of processions and the safety of both participants and commuters.
Regarding the Kanwar Yatra, which draws lakhs of devotees each year, Gupta said preparations are well underway. “We have made preparations for this from July 12 to July 22. All Kanwar Yatra routes have been identified, and we have planned barricading so that Kanwariyas do not spill onto the main routes,” he said.
He added that during the final two days of the Kanwar Yatra, traffic police will intensify their deployment and implement additional diversions as required.
Muharram holds deep religious significance for Shia Muslims. In India, millions of Shia Muslims and people from other communities participate in tazia processions to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Meanwhile, the Kanwar Yatra sees devotees, known as Kanwariyas, collect water from holy rivers and travel hundreds of kilometers on foot to offer it at Lord Shiva temples, performing worship, fasting, and pilgrimage as acts of devotion.