Uttarakhand Government Examining Proposal to Regulate Non-Hindu Entry at Haridwar Ghats During Major Religious Events

Haridwar, Uttarakhand | January 8, 2026 The Uttarakhand government is examining a proposal to regulate the entry of non-Hindus at around 105 ghats in Haridwar during major religious congregations, officials said on Wednesday. At present, such restrictions are limited to the Har-ki-Pauri ghat during specific religious occasions, and no permanent or city-wide ban has been decided. The proposal has emerged following representations from certain Hindu seers and the Ganga Sabha, who have urged the administration to ensure the sanctity and religious discipline of sacred ghats during large-scale rituals, festivals, and holy bathing events. Authorities have clarified that the discussion is focused only on regulating access during major religious events, not on routine days. Officials are also revisiting a 1916 historical agreement associated with Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, which had placed similar restrictions during religious observances in Haridwar and Rishikesh. As part of the broader discussion, the government is exploring the idea of designating Haridwar and Rishikesh as “sanatan pavitra shehar” (holy cities) to strengthen cultural and religious preservation during significant occasions. However, the proposal has sparked debate, with critics raising concerns over practical enforcement, legal implications, and perceptions of discrimination, particularly if extended across multiple ghats. Some have also cautioned that such measures, even if event-specific, could impact tourism and local livelihoods. The state government has reiterated that no final decision has been taken. Consultations are ongoing with religious bodies, legal experts, and civil society to evaluate the feasibility, constitutional aspects, and scope of any regulation. The matter remains under active consideration as authorities weigh all viewpoints before moving forward. Uttarakhand Considers Regulating Non-Hindu Entry at 105 Haridwar Ghats During Major Religious Events The Uttarakhand government is considering and examining a proposal to regulate the entry of non-Hindus at around 105 ghats in Haridwar only during major Hindu religious congregations, officials said. The discussion involves a possible extension of event-specific restrictions that are currently enforced at the Har-ki-Pauri ghat during important religious occasions. The proposal follows representations from certain Hindu seers and the Ganga Sabha, who have stressed the need to maintain the sanctity of sacred ghats during large-scale religious rituals and festivals. Authorities have clarified that the proposal does not involve a permanent or day-to-day ban, and any regulation, if approved, would be limited to specific religious events. Officials are also reviewing a 1916 historical agreement linked to Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, which had placed similar restrictions during religious observances in Haridwar and Rishikesh. In parallel, discussions are underway on the possibility of designating both cities as “sanatan pavitra shehar” (holy cities) to preserve religious traditions during significant occasions. The proposal remains under active deliberation, with the government examining its practical feasibility, constitutional aspects, and legal implications. Critics have raised concerns over enforcement challenges and perceptions of discrimination if such measures are expanded to multiple ghats, even on an event-specific basis. The state government has reiterated that no final decision has been taken. Consultations are ongoing with religious leaders, legal experts, and civil society representatives, and the issue continues to generate public debate.