‘Non-Hindus prohibited’ banners at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar spark row ahead of 2027 Kumbh

The banners reading “Non-Hindu Prohibited Area” have been erected by the Ganga Sabha, the body responsible for the maintenance of Har Ki Pauri and adjoining ghats.

The main bathing area of Har Ki Pauri and its surrounding stretches are already restricted for non-Hindus under provisions of the Haridwar Municipal Act, 1916.

Ganga Sabha president Nitin Gautam cited an agreement dating back to the British era, stating that areas falling within the notified Kumbh limits — scheduled next in early 2027 — should remain restricted for non-Hindus, The Indian Express reported.

Gautam has demanded that the existing restrictions at Har Ki Pauri be extended to all remaining ghats in Haridwar.

The banners appeared days after a video showing two men wearing kandura, a traditional Arab attire, roaming at the ghat went viral on social media.

The men were later identified as Hindus who had visited the site to create content for their YouTube channel.

Reacting to the controversy, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the government would consider the suggestions of the Ganga Sabha and other religious bodies. “The government usually follows what they suggest,” he added.

Opposition parties have criticised the move as unconstitutional. Samajwadi Party leader S T Hasan said, as quoted by The Indian Express, “It is not anyone’s private property. According to the Constitution, any Indian can travel anywhere in the country. Such discussions should be stopped; they are spreading hatred in our society.”