Haridwar: A big news is coming out from the world famous pilgrimage site Haridwar. Posters have now been put up at Harki Paidi, the most prominent ghat of Dharmanagari, regarding the entry of non-Hindus. ‘Non-Hindu Entry Zone’ is clearly written on these posters. This step has been taken by ‘Ganga Sabha’, the organization that manages the ghats, after which discussions have become heated in the entire area.

Why were such steps taken?

Giving his stand on this matter, Ganga Sabha President Nitin Gautam said that everyone should be aware of the law. He stressed that it is the responsibility of every individual to know what rules are applicable in which area. The Sabha believes that the main objective of putting up these posters is that there should be no confusion in anyone’s mind regarding the rules and the dignity of Harki Paadi should be maintained.

Reference was made to the Municipal Bylaws of 1916.

The root of this entire controversy is hidden in a century old Testament. Ganga Sabha has strongly demanded from the administration that considering Harki Paidi as the center of Sanatan faith, the Municipal Bylaws of 1916 should be strictly implemented here. The organization argues that under these rules, entry of non-Hindus into the Harki Paidi area is restricted, and now the time has come to bring it down to the ground with complete strictness.

Demand not only at Harki Padi, but also at other ghats

Ganga Sabha’s stance is not limited to Harki Paidi only. The organization is continuously putting pressure on the government and the district administration to ban the entry of non-Hindus at all the major ghats of Haridwar. He says that Haridwar is a completely religious city and the ghats here are associated with Sanatan traditions and unwavering faith. In such a situation, this decision is necessary to keep the sanctity and religious nature of these places intact.