Uttarakhand – The Ganga Sabha, the apex managing body of Brahmakund Har-ki-Pauri and adjoining Ganga ghats in Haridwar, installed hoardings and flex banners Friday prohibiting the entry of non-Hindus at this sacred site in Uttarakhand. The move has ignited a political controversy, with various parties and officials weighing in on the implications of such restrictions at one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimage destinations.
Installation of Prohibition Boards at Har-ki-Pauri
Ganga Sabha secretary Ujjwal Pundit supervised the installation of boards at multiple locations around Har-ki-Pauri on Friday. These boards formally inform visitors about the prohibition on non-Hindu entry at this sanctum sanctorum. Pundit emphasized that such restrictions are necessary to “maintain the sanctity” of the Ganga ghats, particularly given the religious significance of Har-ki-Pauri.
Haridwar municipal corporation town commissioner Nandan Kumar acknowledged that the matter had come to their notice but stated that no formal directives had been issued by the state government. “We will act as per government instructions when they are issued,” he said, indicating that official action remains pending.
Historical Bylaws Governing Har-ki-Pauri
Ganga Sabha president Nitin Gautam referenced the Haridwar municipal bylaws enacted in 1916 under the guidance of Pt Madan Mohan Malviya, which reportedly restricted the entry, residence, and commercial activities of non-Hindus in the Har-ki-Pauri area. “Given the increasing influx of visitors and instances of non-Hindus entering this holy site, we are merely adhering to these provisions,” Gautam explained.
The Ganga Sabha had raised this demand last month, seeking a ban on non-Hindu entry not only at Har-ki-Pauri but also at all 105 Ganga ghats in Haridwar to preserve the sanctity and spiritual significance of this ancient Hindu pilgrimage site. Friday’s installation of boards marked the formal implementation of this long-standing demand.
Government officials pointed out that the post-Independence 1954 Haridwar municipal committee bylaws also contain relevant provisions. While non-Hindus are generally prohibited from the island-shaped platform at Har-ki-Pauri and Kushawrat Ghat, these bylaws specifically exempt government employees on duty from such restrictions.
Additional Demands by Ganga Sabha
Beyond the entry restrictions at Har-ki-Pauri, the Ganga Sabha has made additional demands to the state government. The organization has requested that Uttarakhand refrain from deploying non-Hindu government officials and police personnel on duty at Har-ki-Pauri. This demand extends the scope of restrictions beyond visitors to include those serving in official capacities at the sacred site.
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Political Opposition and Criticism
The Congress party has strongly opposed the move to restrict entry at Har-ki-Pauri. Former Haridwar municipal committee chairperson and Sonipat MP Satpal Brahmachari raised practical concerns about the implementation of such restrictions. He noted that the Ganga ghats and Kumbh Mela area extend up to Roorkee, where many non-Hindus reside.
“In today’s multi-religious society, how feasible is such a blanket prohibition? Instead of raising divisive issues, the focus should be on better arrangements for the upcoming Ardh Kumbh,” Brahmachari stated, suggesting that the controversy diverts attention from more pressing organizational needs.
Manglaur MLA Qazi Nizamuddin, while acknowledging that bylaws should be respected, alleged that the issue was being politicized. He claimed the ruling dispensation was using the controversy to “divert attention” from governance issues including law and order, corruption, the Kashipur suicide case, the Vineet Tyagi custodial death, land disputes in Rishikesh, and competitive exam paper leaks.
BJP’s Defense of Har-ki-Pauri Restrictions
The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly defended the restrictions at Har-ki-Pauri, criticizing the Congress for opposing the discussion on limiting non-Hindu entry into the Haridwar Kumbh Mela area. The BJP described the opposition’s stance as part of “appeasement politics.”
BJP president Mahendra Bhatt emphasized that the sentiments of Sanatan Dharma must be respected in matters concerning religious traditions and practices, particularly regarding the Kumbh Mela and Har-ki-Pauri area. He argued that the Congress’s objections were politically motivated rather than based on religious or cultural concerns.
“The rule regarding non-Hindu entry in certain sacred areas of Haridwar is not new; it has been implicitly followed for decades. Everyone should respect and abide by the traditions set by religious leaders and the local priestly community,” Bhatt stated.
Justification for the Entry Ban
Supporting the restrictions, Bhatt questioned the necessity of non-Hindu access to Har-ki-Pauri for religious purposes. “No non-Hindu would come to bathe in the Ganga at Haridwar with the intention of attaining religious virtue. So why should anyone object to following existing traditions?” he added.
The controversy surrounding Har-ki-Pauri continues to evolve as different stakeholders debate the balance between religious traditions, constitutional rights, and practical governance. As the Ardh Kumbh approaches, the issue highlights ongoing tensions between preserving sacred traditions and maintaining inclusive access to public religious spaces in India’s diverse society. The final resolution will likely depend on how state authorities interpret and implement the various bylaws governing Har-ki-Pauri and surrounding areas.
