Tamanna Malik, a resident of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, has drawn widespread attention after a video showed her carrying a Kanwar while wearing a burqa, after collecting holy water from Haridwar. The footage, which quickly went viral on social media, sparked intense discussions online and in local communities, with many debating her participation in the religious pilgrimage.
Tamanna, however, said her Kanwar journey was deeply personal and tied to a vow she had made. She explained that she undertook the pilgrimage after her wish to marry Aman Tyagi was fulfilled.
“I made a vow for marriage to Aman Tyagi, and after it was fulfilled, I took up the Kanwar,” she said. “I asked God for a vow, and when it was fulfilled, I brought the Kanwar.”
As she entered Sambhal with the ritual water, large crowds gathered along the route, with scenes resembling the reception of a celebrity or political leader. Many people, especially women, surrounded her for photographs, blessings, and interaction. Some even offered her cash gifts. Volunteers and police personnel were seen forming a tight cordon around her to ensure her safety amid the swelling crowd.
Officials said special security arrangements were made for Tamanna as her viral video attracted heightened public interest. Circle Officer Kuldeep Singh confirmed that police were ensuring a smooth journey for all Kanwar pilgrims and additional precautions were taken to prevent any untoward incident.
“On the occasion of Maha Shivratri, all Shiva devotees are proceeding to their destinations, and Tamanna is also on her way. Full arrangements have been made for her security and a smooth journey,” Singh said.
Local police teams reportedly accompanied Tamanna at multiple points along her route. In some locations, officers welcomed her with flowers as she crossed checkpoints. Authorities said the increased crowd presence was largely driven by the video’s popularity, prompting police to strengthen traffic and security management.
“Arrangements have been made so that Kanwar pilgrims do not face any traffic or security-related issues. Special security measures have been implemented for Tamanna’s journey,” Singh added.
Tamanna’s husband Aman Tyagi has remained by her side throughout the pilgrimage. He said she received respect from people regardless of her attire.
“Whether in a burqa or without one, she has been respected everywhere,” Tyagi said, adding that the administration supported them at most points, though some difficulties were faced earlier when security was not in place.
Responding to criticism about undertaking the Kanwar Yatra in a burqa, Tamanna said there should be no restrictions.
“Any sister who wishes can bring the Kanwar in a burqa. There are no restrictions on anyone,” she said. She also claimed that women facing restrictions should feel free to follow Sanatan Dharma without fear.
Tamanna is now nearing the end of her pilgrimage and is expected to perform Jalabhishek at Chaimnath Temple in Sambhal on Maha Shivratri, despite blisters on her feet, as chants of “Har Har Mahadev” continue to echo along her route.
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