Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Uttarakhand Considers 'Sanatan Holy City' Status for Haridwar, Rishikesh
The government of Uttarakhand is thinking about making Haridwar and Rishikesh special holy cities.
They want to stop people who are not Hindus from entering the river ghats and staying overnight.
This is to keep the cities holy and safe during a big religious event called Kumbh Mela.
Right now, some rules like this are already in place at a few ghats, but they might be extended to all ghats and the Kumbh area.
The saints and religious groups have been asking for these rules to keep the cities clean and respectful.
The government is still talking about it and hasn't made any official announcement yet.
Uttarakhand government is considering declaring Haridwar and Rishikesh as 'Sanatan holy cities' ahead of the Kumbh Mela.
Proposal includes extending the entry ban on non-Hindus to all 105 Ganga ghats and the Kumbh area.
Current regulations are already in place at select ghats like Har Ki Pauri.
Religious organizations and saints have long demanded these measures to preserve the cities' sanctity.
The government has not made any official announcement yet, but discussions are underway.
- Who
- Uttarakhand government, religious organizations, saints
- What
- Proposal to declare Haridwar and Rishikesh as 'Sanatan holy cities'
- When
- Ahead of the January Kumbh Mela
- Where
- Uttarakhand, India
- Why
- To preserve the sanctity and ensure discipline in religious activities
- Location
- Uttarakhand, India
- Proposed Cities
- Haridwar, Rishikesh
- Current Regulations
- Entry ban on non-Hindus at select ghats
- Proposed Regulations
- Extension of entry ban to all 105 Ganga ghats and Kumbh area
- Key Stakeholders
- Saints, Akhara Parishad, Shri Ganga Sabha
- Event
- Kumbh Mela
- Status of Proposal
- Under discussion, no official announcement yet
