Haridwar, July 16 -- As the annual Kanwar Yatra progresses through Uttarakhand, prominent saints, seers, spiritual ideologues, local priests, and office bearers of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad have raised serious concerns over a spike in incidents of unruly and violent behaviour by some kanwariyas. They have issued a collective appeal to devotees to uphold the spiritual sanctity of the age-old pilgrimage and refrain from actions that undermine its religious significance. According to data from the Mela Police Force Control Room, more than 170 kanwariyas have been booked since the pilgrimage began on July 11. The charges include hooliganism, rioting, blocking highways, obstructing police officials, breach of peace, and wrongful restraint, among others. The police said legal action is being taken in each case to maintain law and order during the pilgrimage. Expressing dismay at the increasing reports of violence, Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, stressed the importance of understanding the spiritual roots of the Kanwar Yatra. "This is not just a journey; it's a deep act of devotion that dates back to Treta Yug when Lord Parshuram is said to have first brought the Kanwar from Haridwar. Later, Shravan Kumar carried his parents on a Kanwar, symbolising service, sacrifice, and devotion. Kanwariyas must remember they are following the footsteps of such revered figures. This yatra is about compassion and penance, not aggression and chaos, " said Mahant Puri. Akahda Parishad expressed particular concern about incidents where the sacred Ganga Jal carried in pitchers was spilled-either unintentionally by passersby or due to reckless movement by vehicles. The seers urged kanwariyas to maintain discipline, especially when emotions run high. Mahamandaleshwar Swami Harichetnanand Maharaj of the Shri Panchayati Naya Bada Udasin Akhada expressed strong disapproval. "The Kanwar Yatra should not be treated like a sporting event. We are seeing kanwariyas pass Ganga Jal pitchers like batons in a relay race, which is a distortion of the yatra's essence. The use of large steel or plastic cans instead of traditional bamboo Kanwars is also inappropriate. Lord Shiva blesses those who walk the path with humility, morality, and restraint," he said SP Pankaj Gairola, appealed to all devotees to cooperate with law enforcement and avoid any behaviour that could pose risks to public safety. Highlighting the changing dynamics of the yatra, Teerth Purohit and former Ganga Sabha president Pradeep Jha observed that traditional practices have increasingly given way to modern trends that are affecting both the spiritual fabric and public infrastructure. "Earlier, pilgrims would carry a simple bamboo Kanwar on foot. Today, widened steel Kanwars are being used, often causing obstructions on roads. Blaring DJ music, stereo systems atop vehicles, and traffic congestion on NH-58-despite the restriction on commercial vehicles-are new developments not seen even two decades ago," he said....