Christmas Event at Uttar Pradesh Tourism Hotel in Haridwar , Uttarakhand Cancelled After Objections from Hindu Outfits

Haridwar, December 23: A Christmas event scheduled to be held at a hotel run by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar was cancelled following objections from Hindu outfits, a hotel official confirmed on Monday.

The programme, planned as a private Christmas celebration with carols and a cultural gathering, was to be held at the state-owned hotel located near the Ganga ghats. However, members of several Hindu organisations reportedly objected to the event, stating that Haridwar is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage town and that organising a Christmas celebration at a government-run property on the banks of the Ganges was inappropriate.

Following the objections, the hotel management held discussions with local authorities and decided to cancel the programme to prevent any potential law and order situation. “In view of the concerns raised and to avoid any untoward incident, the event has been cancelled,” a hotel official said, adding that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure.

Police officials said no formal complaint had been registered in the matter, and no case was filed against the organisers or the hotel management. They added that adequate security arrangements were in place in the area and that the situation remained peaceful.

The cancellation comes amid heightened sensitivities around religious events in pilgrimage towns, with Hindu outfits increasingly opposing celebrations they claim do not align with the religious character of such locations.

By Catholic Connect Reporter