With Kanwad Mela nearing its conclusion, the police and local citizens in Rishikesh and Haridwar are now expecting some relief. It was a challenge for the police also to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of Kanwad Mela with the record breaking number of Kanwadias which came to Uttarakhand this year. Local citizens were also facing problem as they had to take longer routes and face traffic congestion every day.
Director General (Law and Order) Ashok Kumar said, “After the Kanwad Mela, we have Eid festival and Independence Day parade. Before that on August 2 we will be reviewing the work of City Patrol Unit (CPU).
We will also be taking a briefing regarding this Kanwad Mela and anything amiss will be included and be taken care of next year.” Megha Sati, a resident of Rishikesh said, “It is a relief that the the Kanwad Mela is coming to an end and it is not because I do not believe in God but because our routine was getting affected by all the extra security and crowd from outside. Though there was no violence or hooliganism this time, but just the increased number of Kanwadias was enough to result in traffic congestions in the city. Also, after the traffic was prohibited from passing through Laksman Jhula, most of us started to use Ram Jhula to go on the other side of the river, but after the Kanwadias started pouring in the city two wheelers were stopped to go through Ram Jhula, only locals were allowed to take their vehicle.
I am not against religious practices, everyone here is a devotee of one God or another but after a fortnight of crowded surrounding it is relief to see them going back.”
The business fraternity however, made brisk profits during the Kanwad Mela. Anil Dimri, a food shop owner in Rishikesh said, “Festivals and fairs like these are good for business, we also gave some concessions to Kanwadias. It is also a way of doing our gratitude and devotion for lord Shiva which we want to convey by providing service to his Bhakts.”
It is pertinent to mention here that on the second Monday of Shrawan, more than 6.5 lakh reportedly visited Neelkanth Mahadev temple.