Haridwar Ghats Under Review: Uttarakhand May Ban Non-Hindu Entry Across 105 Ghats Ahead Of Ardh Kumbh 2027

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The question of who belongs where has returned to the spotlight in Uttarakhand.The state government is weighing a proposal that could significantly change access to some of Hinduism's most sacred spaces. At the heart of the discussion is Haridwar, where officials are considering restricting entry for non-Hindus across all major riverfront ghats.

Photo Credit: X@Preeti Mahapatra

Supporters say it's about preserving sanctity. Critics say it raises difficult questions in a modern, diverse society. Nothing has been finalised yet. But the conversations underway signal a larger shift in how sacred cities may be governed going forward.

What Exactly Is Being Considered

The Uttarakhand government is examining a proposal to ban the entry of non-Hindus at 105 ghats in Haridwar, spread across nearly 120 square kilometres along the Ganga.

At present, restrictions already exist at Har-ki-Pauri, the city's most prominent ghat, particularly during major religious rituals and festivals. The new proposal would extend similar restrictions to all recognised ghats in the Haridwar region.

Officials have confirmed that this is still under discussion, not law. No formal notification or legal order has been issued so far.

The Push From Seers And The Ganga Sabha

The renewed debate follows demands from a section of religious leaders and the Shri Ganga Sabha, the body responsible for managing Har-ki-Pauri and overseeing rituals along the riverfront.

According to Sabha members, unrestricted access affects ritual discipline and the spiritual atmosphere, especially during peak pilgrimage periods. They argue that Haridwar functions differently from a regular city and needs rules that reflect its religious role.

These demands have gained momentum as preparations begin for upcoming large-scale religious events.

The 'Sanatan Pavitra Shehar' Plan

Alongside the ghat access proposal, the state is also considering declaring Haridwar and Rishikesh as "Sanatan Pavitra Shehar" essentially designating them as holy cities rooted in Sanatan Hindu traditions.

If implemented, this would not just be a symbolic title. It could influence municipal rules, cultural regulations, and future governance decisions, particularly around religious practices and public conduct.

A Century-Old Agreement Back In Discussion

One reason the proposal is being taken seriously is history.

Officials are revisiting a 1916 agreement signed between Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, the first president of the Ganga Sabha, and the British administration. That agreement placed restrictions on non-Hindu residence and access in Haridwar and Rishikesh, recognising their religious character even under colonial rule. The state is examining whether parts of that framework can legally or administratively be adapted today.

Why Timing Is Significant: Ardh Kumbh 2027

The discussions are closely linked to preparations for the Ardh Kumbh Mela in January 2027, when millions of pilgrims are expected to arrive in Haridwar.

Managing crowds, rituals, and security at that scale often leads to tighter controls. Supporters of the proposal believe clear access rules well before the event would help avoid confusion and conflict during the festival.

What The Government Is Saying

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has acknowledged the demands and confirmed that the government is consulting religious bodies and reviewing historical provisions.

At the same time, the administration has been careful to state that no final decision has been taken. Legal feasibility, constitutional concerns, and administrative practicality are all part of the review.

Concerns and Pushback

Not everyone is convinced.

Some political leaders and observers have raised concerns about how such a ban would work in densely populated urban areas where communities have lived together for decades. Others question how enforcement would happen without discrimination or legal challenges.

The proposal has also sparked broader conversations about religious identity, public spaces, and constitutional values - debates that go well beyond Haridwar.

Where Things Stand Right Now

To be clear:

• No law has been passed
• No official ban has been notified
• Discussions are ongoing

What exists today is a proposal under examination, driven by religious groups, shaped by historical references, and timed around future mass gatherings.

Haridwar has always been more than a city. It is a symbol, a pilgrimage, a belief system in motion. The current debate reflects an attempt to define how that identity fits within a modern administrative framework.

Whether the proposal moves forward or not, it has already done one thing - reopened an old question in a new India: how do sacred spaces evolve without losing what makes them sacred in the first place? The answer, for now, remains undecided.