Prevent Repeat of 'Spit Jihad' During Kanwar Yatra, Uttarakhand CM Dhami Instructs Officials

With Uttarakhand preparing for annual Kanwar Yatra from July 11, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has told officials to remain on high alert and not allow any incidents of what is now called "spit jihad."

Inspecting the preparations for the pilgrimage on Thursday, Dhami stressed the importance of keeping the pilgrims hygienic and ensuring a safe experience for the thousands of pilgrims who are expected to join in.

The phrase "spit jihad," coined by BJP members, appeared online in recent years after videos went viral purportedly showing people spitting into foodstuffs such as roti dough or fruit before serving. These videos caused widespread outrage and fear for food safety and religious sentiments.

Addressing the media after his review meeting with top officials, Dhami explained, "Deliberation is on to make sure that the Kanwariyas who come to Haridwar go back with a positive experience. There have been cases of 'spit jihad' during the Kanwar Yatra in the past. I have instructed officials to make sure that they are not repeated."

Each year, the Kanwar Yatra attracts lakhs of Shiva pilgrims—referred to as Kanwariyas—from different regions to Haridwar, where they fetch holy water from the Ganga to be presented at temples in their native places.

To guarantee food safety throughout the Yatra, the government of Uttarakhand has released stringent guidelines for restaurants along the pilgrimage route. Hotels, dhabas, and restaurants are now required to hang their food licenses in public view. "This is to ensure that no tainted food is provided to our pilgrims," Dhami clarified.

The chief minister also welcomed everyone who attended the Yatra, praying to Lord Shiva to grant them their desires. While doing this, he also requested devotees to follow the Yatra norms. "They should not indulge in sound pollution by playing loud DJs. They should also have the Kanwar size within the permitted levels," he said.

The Uttarakhand government last year imposed a penalty of up to ₹1 lakh for food hygiene-related violations, especially in reaction to spitting in food concerns. The state police and health departments had implemented the rules jointly that involved police verification of employees at hotels and dhabas, and CCTV cameras at food preparation units.

Similarly, the Meerut district administration has also intensified food safety checks along the Yatra route. All food joints now have to exhibit major information like lists of food items, prices, and their official food safety registration certificates, including the name of the proprietor and license number.

With heightened preparations, the attention is on the ensuring of a spiritually satisfying and safe pilgrimage for the Kanwariyas while upholding public health benchmarks and religious tolerance.