Haridwar is one of India's most well-known pilgrimage and tourist destinations. It attracts not only millions of Indians but also a large number of foreign visitors, especially those drawn to spirituality. However, entry to the sacred city may soon face restrictions. The Uttarakhand government is considering a proposal to bar non-Hindu individuals from entering Haridwar.
According to a News18 report, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said Haridwar is a holy city, and the government is committed to protecting its religious sanctity. He stated that the administration is examining whether restrictions on the entry of non-Hindus should be introduced.
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Proposal linked to Kumbh Mela preparations
The issue has come into focus at a time when Uttarakhand is preparing for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Stressing the spiritual importance of Haridwar, the Chief Minister said the government is reviewing all possible measures to preserve the religious identity of Devbhumi Uttarakhand. The idea of restricting entry is part of this broader discussion.
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Old rules and past agreements
According to available information, certain bylaws of the Haridwar Municipal Corporation, including those related to Har Ki Pauri, symbolically restrict the entry of non-Hindus at select Ganga ghats. Historical records show that in 1916, freedom fighter and educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya signed an agreement with the British government to ensure the sanctity of Haridwar and Rishikesh and maintain the free flow of the Ganga. Some provisions from this agreement were later included in municipal rules. However, residents say these restrictions have rarely been enforced in practice.
