Haridwar Hotel Cancels Christmas Event Amid Protests by Hindu Groups
In a move that underscores the escalating tensions between inclusivity and religious tradition in India's sacred cities, a state-run hotel in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, has cancelled its Christmas event scheduled for December 24, 2025. The decision follows protests by various Hindu organizations, who deemed the celebrations an affront to the city's Hindu sanctity.
The Christmas event, planned at the Hotel Bhagirathi, a government-run hotel located on the banks of the Ganges, was meant to be a child-friendly affair, featuring games, a decorated Christmas tree, and a grand Ganga Aarti. However, the event's details spread on social media, prompting protests led by influential figures such as Ujjwal Pandit, an office-bearer of Shri Ganga Sabha, who warned against Christmas celebrations in Haridwar, citing the city's centuries-old Hindu traditions.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, also weighed in, with its Shetriya Prachar Pramukh, Padamji, emphasizing the need to respect Haridwar's Hindu traditions. Hotel owner Neeraj Gupta confirmed the cancellation on December 22, stating that no event had violated local culture, but children's programs were scrapped while the Aarti would proceed.
Protesters, including Shri Ganga Sabha and the RSS, argued that Haridwar, a major Hindu pilgrimage site, must uphold its centuries-old Hindu beliefs and traditions, which must not be disrupted by Christmas celebrations on the riverbanks. Ujjwal Pandit demanded immediate cancellation, stating that such events would not be tolerated.
However, the hotel management maintained that the event was limited to child-friendly activities and adhered to vegetarian-only rules, with no disrespect to Hindu culture. Hotel owner Neeraj Gupta clarified that the event was cancelled due to protests to avoid controversy.
This incident is part of a broader trend of protests against perceived cultural impositions in religiously sensitive zones. In December 2021, a "Dharma Sansad" in Haridwar featured similar rhetoric against Christmas celebrations, with speakers urging against non-Hindu vendors and invoking historical references like the 1857 rebellion. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a Hindu nationalist organization, has separately called for boycotting Christmas celebrations nationwide, framing it as "cultural vigilance."
The cancellation of the Christmas event at Hotel Bhagirathi highlights tensions over religious event permissions in Hindu holy cities like Haridwar, potentially discouraging inclusive celebrations and reinforcing norms prioritizing Hindu traditions in such areas. This may affect tourism venues like state-run hotels, limiting family-oriented events to avoid backlash, while signaling to minority communities the challenges of public festivities in sacred sites.
As the country heads into the festival season, the implications of this incident are far-reaching. Broader societal impacts include heightened polarization, as seen in related nationwide anti-Christmas boycott calls, possibly influencing local businesses and interfaith relations during festivals.
The incident at Hotel Bhagirathi serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of managing cultural diversity in India's sacred cities. As the country grapples with the delicate balance between inclusivity and tradition, it remains to be seen how this incident will shape the future of public celebrations in Haridwar and beyond.
verified information: Event at Hotel Bhagirathi was scheduled for December 24, 2025. Protests by Hindu organizations, including Shri Ganga Sabha and RSS, led to the cancellation of the event. Hotel owner Neeraj Gupta confirmed the cancellation on December 22, 2025. The event featured child-friendly activities, a decorated Christmas tree, and a grand Ganga Aarti. Protests against Christmas celebrations are part of a broader trend in Hindu holy cities like Haridwar. The cancellation may affect tourism venues like state-run hotels, limiting family-oriented events to avoid backlash.
corroborated by at least two independent sources: Event details spread on social media, prompting protests. Hotel management maintained that the event was limited to child-friendly activities and adhered to vegetarian-only rules. Protesters, including Shri Ganga Sabha and RSS, argued that Haridwar must uphold its centuries-old Hindu traditions. Hotel owner Neeraj Gupta clarified that the event was cancelled due to protests to avoid controversy.
📰 Source: The Hindu - National
