Ahead of the 2027 Haridwar Ardh Kumbh, a demand has been raised to ban the entry of non-Hindus; the government has begun studying the relevant act

A major controversy appears to be brewing in Uttarakhand ahead of the Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela scheduled for 2027. Sadhus (Hindu ascetics) and several Hindu organizations have demanded a ban on the entry of non-Hindus to the Ganga ghats and the surrounding areas of the Mela grounds before the Kumbh Mela. Pressure is mounting on the state government and administration over this demand.

Sadhus demand ban on non-Hindus at Kumbh Mela
Responding to the matter, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that separate acts exist for the Kumbh area, Char Dham, and all other religious pilgrimage sites, and these are being studied in detail. He clarified that Haridwar, the city of the Kumbh Mela, holds a special place in the Puranas and has its own unique religious and cultural significance. To maintain that significance, the government is seriously considering all aspects.

CM Dhami assures maintenance of order
Chief Minister Dhami also said that suggestions are being sought from the Ganga Sabha, religious institutions, sadhus, and all other stakeholders associated with the Haridwar Kumbh Mela. The government will take further action keeping in mind all the suggestions received. He assured that the government will take a balanced and practical decision to maintain the sanctity, tradition, and order of the Kumbh Mela.