Haridwar Kumbh mela: Hindu groups seek ban on non-Hindus, cite 1935 Act

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Haridwar's Ardh Kumbh Mela is scheduled to be held in 2027, where millions of devotees will gather for bathing in the Ganges, worship, and meditation. However, Hindu organizations say that incidents like "spit jihad, love jihad, and land jihad" are increasing in the country, atrocities against Hindus continue in Bangladesh, and Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltration is on the rise. In light of this, they have demanded that the Kumbh Mela area be declared a completely Hindu area, to maintain the purity of religious rituals and provide a safe environment for devotees.

Citing the 1935 Act of the Shri Ganga Sabha, meat shops and the sale of meat are prohibited at Har Ki Pauri. The Act also prohibits non-Hindus from entering the Kumbh Mela and the Pauri area. Shri Ganga Sabha President Nitin Gautam said that this system was created 100 years ago during the British rule to protect religion and tradition. He said that this need has increased further in view of the current events in Bangladesh and the threat to religious rituals.

Demanding the Kumbh Mela to be declared a Hindu zone

Nitin Gautam stated that incidents of non-Hindus disrupting religious rituals have increased. He demanded that the entire Kumbh Mela be declared a Hindu zone and that non-Hindus be barred from entering all ghats and religious sites. He stated that the old bylaws should still be enforced and urged the government to ensure security.

Pilgrim priest Ujjwal Pandya said that those who have no connection with the religion and culture disrupt the rituals. He said that like the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, all work in Haridwar should be done only by Hindu artisans and that non-Hindus should not be allowed to enter the area. He described Chief Minister Dhami as a protector of religion and expressed hope that the government will heed his demands.