Haridwar Ghats Entry Row

‘Non-Hindus prohibited’ boards at Har Ki Pauri spark political and legal debate

January 17, 2026: A controversy has erupted in Haridwar after the Ganga Sabha installed boards at Har Ki Pauri stating that non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the sacred ghat area. The red boards, which read “Ahindu pravesh nishedh chetra,” were put up to preserve the sanctity of the pilgrimage site and went viral on social media. The move followed a recent viral video of two men in Arab attire at the ghats, who were later found to be Hindu content creators. The district administration said it has noted the issue and will act only after receiving directions from the state government.

Defending the decision, Ganga Sabha president Nitin Gautam said the action was based on municipal bylaws dating back to 1916, framed under the guidance of Pt Madan Mohan Malviya, which restricted the entry and activities of non-Hindus in the Har Ki Pauri area. Sabha officials said the boards were installed to maintain spiritual purity and added that similar restrictions had long been followed. However, officials pointed out that revised bylaws of 1954 allow non-Hindu government employees to enter the area while on official duty.

The move has triggered sharp political reactions. The Congress termed it divisive and accused the ruling party of using the issue to distract from governance failures, while local leaders questioned its practicality ahead of the Ardh Kumbh. The BJP countered the criticism, saying the restrictions were rooted in long-standing religious traditions and should be respected. The party maintained that sacred customs at pilgrimage sites like Haridwar must not be politicised.