Quick reads
- Uttarakhand is considering banning non-Hindu entry at 105 ghats in Haridwar.
- A similar restriction already exists at Har-ki-Pauri, the most sacred ghat.
- The proposal comes amid preparations for the 2027 Ardh Kumbh Mela.
- The government may also declare Haridwar and Rishikesh holy “Sanatan cities”
- The idea stems partly from historic bylaws and pressure from religious bodies like Shri Ganga Sabha.
What is being proposed ?
The Uttarakhand government is reviewing a proposal to extend entry restrictions for non-Hindus to all 105 Ganga river ghats across Haridwar’s roughly 120-square-kilometre area. At present, such a restriction is mainly enforced at Har-ki-Pauri, the city’s most revered ghat.
Officials say the idea is tied to preserving what many see as the religious sanctity of the pilgrimage city as large crowds prepare to arrive for the Ardh Kumbh Mela in January 2027.
Where this is being discussed ?
The discussions are taking place within the Uttarakhand government and in consultations with religious leaders and groups such as the Shri Ganga Sabha, which manages parts of the Ganga ghats, including Har-ki-Pauri.
Officials are also reviewing old municipal rules and a 1916 agreement involving efforts to protect Haridwar’s spiritual character, which included restricted access policies.
How it could be implemented ?
If the proposal moves forward, non-Hindus might be barred from entering all identified ghats during key times, especially around the Kumbh Mela and other major religious events. The government is reportedly also considering declaring Haridwar and nearby Rishikesh as “Sanatan pavitra shehar” (holy cities).
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said the state will look at existing laws and history while consulting stakeholders to arrive at a decision that balances crowd management, security and the city’s spiritual identity.
Why it matters ?
Supporters argue the move would preserve the sacred atmosphere of one of Hinduism’s major pilgrimage hubs and manage crowds more effectively during massive
gatherings like Kumbh.
Critics, including some political voices, say such restrictions could raise constitutional concerns and impact the rights of citizens, calling for careful consideration of the proposal’s implications.
