Meerut: Before the commencement of the holy Kanwar Yatra, discussions have once again started regarding the display of nameplates on eateries along the Kanwar route. The Yogi Adityanath-led UP government has made it mandatory for all shops along the Kanwar Yatra route to have proper licenses and clearly display the owner's original name
In 2024, the matter had also reached the Supreme Court, which paused the Uttar Pradesh government’s directive requiring shopkeepers to display their names. Top authorities are now preparing to ensure the smooth conduct of the Kanwar Yatra 2025.
Reportedly, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) workers in Meerut are scanning QR codes at restaurants, dhabas, and eateries along the route to verify the religion of the shopkeepers.
Apart from asking for names and religion, they are reportedly pasting images of Varaha (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) on these shops. They are also putting up saffron flags and scanning QR codes to confirm if someone from another religion is operating a shop under a Hindu name.
Officials are also visiting shops along Meerut’s highway to verify whether the names on the signboards match the identity of the owners, and to check if non-vegetarian food is being served.
The Yatra is scheduled to begin on 11 July. During the Kanwar Yatra procession, Kanwariyas collect water from a river and carry it for hundreds of kilometres to offer it at shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
