Amid controversy over UP and Uttarakhand government directives concerning eateries and stalls along the Kanwar route, large white screens were placed in front of several mosques and mazars in Haridwar. Senior Uttarakhand cabinet minister Satpal Maharaj, overseeing tourism, culture, and PWD portfolios, justified the action, stating, “This has been done to avoid unnecessary excitement or provocation from any side and ensure the Kanwar Yatra runs smoothly.”