DEHRADUN: As preparations quietly begin for the 2027 Kumbh Mela, the Uttarakhand government is reportedly examining a far-reaching proposal that could significantly alter the civic and cultural framework of Haridwar and Rishikesh. Sources indicate that the Dhami government is considering declaring the municipal corporation areas of both cities—and possibly the entire notified Kumbh region—as a “Sanatan Pavittra Nagari” (Sacred Sanatan City) to safeguard the religious sanctity of the Ganga belt.
At the heart of the discussion is the potential expansion of existing municipal bylaws that already restrict non-Hindus from entering select ghats, including Har Ki Pauri, the most sacred bathing site in Haridwar. Officials familiar with the matter say the government may consider extending these restrictions to all 105 identified Ganga ghats in Haridwar and to key ghats in Rishikesh ahead of the upcoming Kumbh.
Existing By-laws and Their Possible Expansion
Currently, the municipal by-laws of Haridwar and Rishikesh prohibit non-Hindus from entering certain sacred ghats, a rule traditionally enforced by religious bodies such as the Shri Ganga Sabha at Har Ki Pauri. While these provisions have existed for decades, their application has remained limited to a few highly sensitive religious sites.
According to sources, the state government is now reviewing whether these bylaws can be uniformly applied across the expanded municipal boundaries, which have grown significantly over the last few decades. When these rules were first framed, Haridwar and Rishikesh had a much smaller civic footprint, with only a handful of permanent ghats. Today, a recent survey by the Kumbh Mela Authority identified 105 ghats within the Kumbh zone, many of which are slated for eco-sensitive redevelopment.
Officials say the government is weighing whether uniform religious regulations should apply across the expanded area, particularly given the expected footfall during Kumbh and annual pilgrimages such as the Kanwar Yatra.
Historical Roots of Sacred Regulations
The debate has revived interest in a little-known historical agreement dating back to 1916, when Bharat Ratna Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya led a mass movement to protect the sanctity of the Ganga. Following negotiations with the British colonial administration, an agreement was reached to ensure the river’s uninterrupted flow and preserve the religious character of Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Several regulations that emerged from this agreement were later incorporated into municipal rules. Among them were provisions restricting non-Hindu entry at certain ghats and discouraging permanent settlement of non-Hindus within the sacred towns. According to historians and religious authorities, these norms were intended not as exclusionary measures but as safeguards to preserve the spiritual ecosystem of pilgrimage cities.
Over time, many of these rules fell into disuse or were diluted by successive governments through amendments, particularly during periods when secular governance frameworks took precedence.
Religious Institutions Back the Proposal
Sanatan organisations, akharas, temple bodies, and religious trusts have long demanded that Haridwar and Rishikesh be formally recognised as sacred cities with special regulations. The Shri Ganga Sabha, which oversees rituals at Har Ki Pauri, has reiterated that the restriction on non-Sanatan entry at select ghats is not a new practice but one that has been followed for over a century.
Shri Ganga Sabha president Nitin Gautam said that Haridwar is not an ordinary town but the spiritual nerve centre of Sanatan Dharma. “This is the land of Kumbh, Mahakumbh, Kanwar Yatra, and daily rituals connected with the Ganga. The purity of these spaces is central to the faith of crores of devotees,” he said, adding that the Sabha has consistently urged the government to declare the Kumbh region a sacred zone.
Ban on Meat, Liquor Also Under Review
In addition to entry restrictions, the proposal under consideration may include a complete ban on the sale of meat and liquor within the sacred city limits. Many religious institutions point out that areas within a one-kilometre radius of the ghats are dominated by akharas, dharamshalas, ashrams, and maths, where such activities are already informally discouraged.
Advocates of the move argue that formal notification would provide legal clarity and ensure uniform enforcement, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons when Haridwar’s population swells.
Dhami Government’s Cultural Push
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has repeatedly emphasised the need to preserve Uttarakhand’s identity as Devbhoomi. Supporters note that he is the first chief minister since statehood to openly articulate the need to protect the state’s Sanatan cultural fabric. From implementing strict anti-conversion laws to pushing for religious tourism corridors, Dhami’s tenure has been marked by a clear cultural narrative.
Sources say the proposed sacred city declaration aligns with this broader vision, particularly as the state prepares for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Kumbh 2027 and the Road Ahead
Haridwar receives an estimated four crore pilgrims annually, a number expected to surge dramatically during the 2027 Kumbh. With major infrastructure projects underway—including the Haridwar–Rishikesh corridor—authorities are under pressure to manage crowds while preserving the region’s spiritual ambience.
