Ganga Sabha Seeks Restricted Entry Before Kumbh

The Shri Ganga Sabha, the organisation responsible for managing and maintaining Har Ki Pauri and the nearby Ganga ghats in Haridwar, on Sunday (January 4, 2026) demanded that the Uttarakhand government declare the Kumbh Mela area a restricted zone for non-Hindus ahead of the Ardh Kumbh in 2027.

Speaking to reporters in Haridwar, Shri Ganga Sabha president Nitin Gautam said that such a step is necessary to protect the religious nature of the Kumbh Mela. He said that, in his view, the entry of non-Hindus should be banned at all Ganga ghats and religious places within the Kumbh Mela area before the festival begins.

Mr. Gautam said this demand was made keeping in mind the large number of devotees who attend the Kumbh Mela from across the country and the world. He added that restrictions would help maintain the sanctity, traditions, and spiritual atmosphere of the holy event.

He also welcomed and praised the Uttarakhand government’s announcement that the 2027 Kumbh Mela in Haridwar would be organised in a divine and grand manner. According to him, strict rules and proper planning are needed to ensure the smooth conduct of the religious gathering.

The demand has sparked discussions, as the Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious events in the world, drawing millions of pilgrims and visitors.