Uttarakhand Govt Weighs ‘Sanatan Holy City’ Status For Haridwar, Rishikesh

Ahead of the Ardh Kumbh Mela in January 2027, the Uttarakhand government is considering a proposal to declare Haridwar and Rishikesh as “Sanatan holy cities.”

According to sources, the government plans to extend the entry ban on non-Hindus, currently in place at a few ghats, to the entire 105 Ganga ghats and the Kumbh area. This will include not only Haridwar but also Rishikesh.

The proposal is currently under discussion and involves religious organisations such as saints, the Akhara Parishad, and the Shri Ganga Sabha. These organisations conduct pujas and religious rituals in Haridwar and have long demanded the city’s status as a holy city.

The saints say this move will preserve Haridwar’s sanctity and ensure discipline in religious activities.

The saints have mainly demanded restrictions on the entry of non-Hindus to the Ganga ghats, a ban on overnight stays for non-Hindus in the city, and enhanced security at religious sites, arguing that such steps are necessary to maintain discipline during a massive event like the Kumbh Mela.

While certain regulations are already enforced at Har Ki Pauri and other prominent ghats, the proposal could see similar rules extended to all ghats across the city and the wider Kumbh area to ensure religious decorum and pilgrim safety.

This move comes amid increasing pressure from the Shree Ganga Sabha and various Akharas (saint organizations) to maintain the “religious sanctity” of the pilgrimage sites ahead of the Kumbh Mela.

The government has not issued any official announcement so far, though discussions are underway. If implemented, the move would further strengthen the religious character and security of Haridwar and Rishikesh.